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Table of Contents

Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

Mini-Lesson

Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

World Wonders In Danger

Spanish Translation

What do rocks in Pakistan, buildings in the United States and a town in Spain share? All are in danger of disappearing. That news is in a report by World Monuments Fund (WMF). WMF is a group that names and helps preserve places that are important to a country's history.

The list names 93 sites in 47 countries. WMF says there are several reasons why these places may be falling apart. Governments may not have the money to keep them up. Sometimes, too many visitors can help to ruin a site. New homes and factories may destroy places. And natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods can cause damage.

Bonnie Burnham, president of WMF, says governments, people who care about the environment, and others should help save the monuments. That will make sure the places are around "for the next generation," she says. And that next generation is you!

PAKISTAN

Someone drew this picture about 2,200 years ago. It is one of 50,000 carvings and drawings of nature, people and animals. Some of these drawings are 11,000 years old. After a new dam is built, the drawings will be covered by water. WMF hopes that Pakistan will make a record of the drawings before they are lost forever.

SPAIN

These thick stone walls and towers were built 900 years ago in Avila, Spain. Each year, thousands of tourists visit the town. Now, buildings are going up around Avila. WMF wants to make sure the buildings don't ruin the town's beauty.

UNITED STATES

These buildings are in Taos, New Mexico. They were built by the Pueblo, a Native American tribe, as long as 1,000 years ago. Today, 150 people live there. Too many tourists may be harming the site. The people of Taos Pueblo and the National Park Service are finding ways to preserve the site while still allowing visitors.

Next: TOP 5 Most Visited U.S. Monuments