PAGES Switzerland

news: New Unesco World heritage site

The Swiss alpine region of Jungfrau-Aletsch, including the 24-km-long Aletsch glacier and parts of the Lauterbrunnen-valley (photo), is the first natural area in the Alps which has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. The diversity of Alpine wildlife is represented in a range of alpine and sub-alpine habitats, and plant colonization in the wake of retreating glaciers provides an outstanding example of plant succession. The impressive vista of the North Wall of the High Alps, centred on the mountains of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau (photo), has played an important role in European literature and art.