The world s unique treasures include the last paradise animal kingdoms, fantastic geological formations or natural landscapes that today earn the protection of the global community. Facing the advance of worldwide environmental destruction, in 1972 UNESCO s General Conference in Paris adopted the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage . Now, 660 cultural heritage sites and 191 natural sites are on the UNESCO list, with 25 of them counting as cultural and natural heritage sites. THE BOOK OF NATURE gives concise, detailed descriptions and abundant, large-size colour illustrations of all 191 world natural heritage sites. From Norway s fjords and the primeval beech forests in Europe s Carpathians to the majestic national parks of North America, the trail continues to protected areas in the South American Andes and the Amazon rainforests or East Africa s wildlife reserves and the last sanctuaries for the Siberian tiger, Indian rhinoceros and orang-utans in Asia. Extra pages also feature details of highly endangered species. The UNESCO World Heritage list highlights a mission to save our environment not only as a national activity, but as humanity s overriding concern conservation that protects our unique, survival-dependent eco systems means future generations can also experience the joys of nature s outstanding beauty.