Introduction
These places are the most protected and restricted areas on Earth, from vaults safeguarding the world’s most precious treasures to secretive government facilities shrouded in mystery and buildings preserving the last bastions of untouched nature. Join me as we countdown the top 15 most protected places on Earth.
Fallard Seed Bank
The Fallard Seed Bank in Norway serves as a crucial last line of defense for agricultural biodiversity. With the capacity to store millions of seed samples in a purpose-built vault within a mountain on a remote island, it safeguards genetic diversity and protects against the risk of widespread crop diseases.
Pine Gap, Australia
Pine Gap in Australia is a pivotal satellite surveillance base jointly operated by Australia and the United States. Serving as a crucial intelligence hub, it plays a significant role in global security and communication, with a workforce overseen by a senior CIA officer.
Lascaux Caves
The Lascaux Caves in France are a testament to prehistoric artistry, dating back over 17,000 years. The detailed paintings within the cave, including the renowned Hall of the Bulls, showcase a dynamic portrayal of animals in motion and offer insights into ancient civilizations.
Céri Island
Céri Island, a volcanic island off the coast of Iceland, provides a unique opportunity to witness the birth and evolution of a new landmass. Access to the island is strictly controlled to preserve its untouched landscape and prevent contamination, making it a rare natural sanctuary.
North Brother Island
North Brother Island in New York, with a tragic history intertwined with disease outbreaks and maritime disasters, now serves as a bird sanctuary. Off-limits to the public, it stands as a vital habitat for local avian life, preserving its historical significance and natural ecosystem.
Herd Island and McDonald Islands
Herd Island and the McDonald Islands, Australia’s most isolated territories, are pristine sub-Antarctic archipelagos teeming with untouched natural beauty. Designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites, they remain untouched by human habitation, showcasing the raw power of nature.
Korean DMZ
The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) serves as a significant border barrier dividing North and South Korea. Despite its deadly nature, the DMZ has inadvertently become a haven for biodiversity, harboring numerous endangered plant and animal species within its narrow buffer zone.
Morgan Island
Morgan Island, also known as Monkey Island, in South Carolina, is home to a population of reese’s monkeys and remains shrouded in mystery. While off-limits to the public, the island’s monkey population and its impact on the ecosystem have sparked debates and raised questions about conservation efforts.
Greenbrier
The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia houses a secret bunker known as Project Greek Island, built during the Cold War era. Intended as a safe haven for Congress in the event of a nuclear conflict, the bunker’s existence was kept confidential, showcasing the lengths taken to ensure government continuity.
The White House
The White House, a symbol of American power and prestige, employs sophisticated security measures to protect the US president and administration. From bulletproof windows to rooftop missile launchers, the White House stands as one of the most heavily guarded buildings in the world.
North Sentinel Island
North Sentinel Island, home to an indigenous tribe hostile to outsiders, remains isolated and protected from external influences. With attempts at peaceful contact met with aggression, the island serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting indigenous cultures and preserving their way of life.
Zone Rouge
The Zone Rouge in northeastern France stands as a stark reminder of the devastation wrought by World War I. A desolate and contaminated territory, it remains strictly off-limits due to the presence of unexploded munitions and poisoned soil, serving as a haunting memorial to the horrors of war.
Diego Garcia
Diego Garcia, a strategic US military base in the Indian Ocean, plays a crucial role in supporting US and allied forces in the region. With a history veiled in secrecy and conspiracy theories, the island remains a symbol of military prowess and operational security.
The Pentagon
The Pentagon, the nerve center of the US Department of Defense, stands as the world’s largest office building. From stringent security protocols to a dedicated force protection agency, the Pentagon is a fortress of surveillance and control, ensuring the safety of its occupants and infrastructure.
ADX Florence
ADX Florence, also known as the “Alcatraz of the Rockies,” is a supermax prison in Colorado housing some of the most dangerous inmates in the federal correctional system. With stringent isolation measures and high-security protocols, ADX Florence remains a fortress of solitude and control in the American prison system.
Related Questions
1. What is the significance of the Fallard Seed Bank in preserving agricultural biodiversity?
The Fallard Seed Bank serves as a crucial last line of defense for agricultural biodiversity by safeguarding millions of seed samples to protect against widespread crop diseases and ensure genetic diversity.
2. How does the Korean DMZ unintentionally become a haven for biodiversity?
The Korean DMZ, despite its deadly nature as a border barrier, has inadvertently become a sanctuary for biodiversity, harboring endangered plant and animal species within its narrow buffer zone.
3. What is the purpose of Project Greek Island at the Greenbrier Resort?
Project Greek Island at the Greenbrier Resort was a secret bunker built during the Cold War era as a safe haven for Congress in the event of a nuclear conflict, showcasing the lengths taken to ensure government continuity.
4. Why is North Sentinel Island off-limits to outsiders, and what does it represent?
North Sentinel Island remains isolated and protected from external influences due to the hostility of its indigenous tribe towards outsiders. It serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting indigenous cultures and preserving their way of life.
5. How does the Pentagon ensure the safety of its occupants and infrastructure?
The Pentagon employs stringent security measures, including missile launchers, bulletproof windows, and a dedicated force protection agency, to safeguard its occupants and infrastructure, making it one of the most highly protected buildings in the world.