Sunday, October 24, 2010

Pictures: 12 Ancient Landmarks on Verge of Vanishing

LAMU ISLAND, KENYA - Cluster of tightly packed rooftops.

Swahili Settlement

Photograph by Bobby Haas, National Geographic

A mosaic of tightly clustered rooftops decorates an aerial view of Lamu, Kenya, one of the oldest and best preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the old town of Lamu dates back to the 12th century and still boasts many traditional architectural styles of Swahili culture.

Major threats to the site include a proposed port project and infrastructure for the oil industry. The   development "would result in unprecedented new levels of population growth and put strong pressures on both the cultural and natural values of the region," according to the Global Heritage Fund report.

Posted via email from Web Stream - Vishal Shah (goldenV)

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