Must-see places to see before they change for ever

Updated



The world is changing before our eyes. From the Arctic sea ice melting to the deforestation of the Amazon Rainforest, the threat to planet Earth's most beautiful wonders is very real and now is the time to witness these precious places before they change forever.

With global warming, human damage and the disintegration of traditions, the world as we know it will be different in a matter of decades.

SEE ALSO: 15 places that are disappearing faster than you thought

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The Great Barrier Reef, for example, is shrinking and scientists predict that 95 per cent of the coral could be lost by 2050. Pollution, irresponsible tourism and global warming are its main threats.

After decades of political isolation, visitors are rushing to see Cuba's capital Havana for its colonial architecture and authenticity before the big hotel and restaurant chains move in. Likewise, the small island of St Helena, known as one of the most remote places in the world, could be due an influx of tourists following the opening of its first ever airport earlier this year.



In Tibet, it is the culture and traditions that could change forever. Since being ruled by the Chinese from the 1950s, Tibetan history is slowly being erased and the government's policy to end the nomadic way of life has seen thousands of nomads relocated from their grasslands to urban dwellings.

Tourism can often have a negative impact on local people and their environments, but there are responsible ways to travel and experience an authentic holiday and give back to a destination. GVI offers volunteering trips to remote and beautiful locations, such as Laos where you can help improve the education of Buddhist monks and Fiji where you can assist with the conservation of coral reefs. Responsible Travel also organises environmentally-friendly holidays across the world, from family escapes in Myanmar to cycling breaks in Jordan.

Browse ten of the Earth's incredible places to see before they change, from Machu Picchu to the Serengeti.

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