Access 360 World Heritage

Access 360  World Heritage

Synopsis

Go on exclusive tours of nine UNESCO world heritage sites and meet the unseen heroes who labor behind-the scenes to protect these natural and cultural wonders to ensure that they survive for future generations to enjoy.

Episodes

  • Angkor Wat

    +

    Abandoned for centuries, Cambodia's magnificent temples risk being lost again as researchers and locals fight to save the site for the future.

  • Sagrada Familia

    +

    The beautiful cathedral of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain has been under construction for 130 years, yet its still not finished. After all these years, it continues to challenge modern architects. Now, a team of experts is rushing to complete this masterpiece in just thirteen years… in time to honor the genius behind its inception, Antoni Gaudi, and the 100th anniversary of his death. To finish this church will take not just innovation and devotion, but the most advanced technology, hard-hat construction, and the fine-grained discipline of ancient craft.

  • Mt. Fuji

    +

    Recently added to the world heritage list as a cultural asset, the iconic Mt. Fuji is a well-known symbol of Japan. Every year the volcano's scenic beauty draws more and more visitors from around the world. Dedicated mountain rangers, scientists, and eco-volunteers are working hard to preserve and protect the mountain from mankind while also protecting mankind from the mountain.

  • Everglades

    +

    It's a land before time... a sanctuary filled with giant ferns, ancient trees, and prehistoric predators. But Everglades National Park is under siege. A full-scale invasion of escaped pets and exotic species threatens to wipe out the local wildlife and a snarling system of dams and canals is slowly strangling its fragile ecosystem. So severe is the threat that UNESCO has put Everglades National Park on their list of most vulnerable locations. Now, the defenders of this World Heritage Site are fighting back - to fend off the onslaught of invaders and pump life back into the legendary river of grass before it's too late.

  • St. Petersburg

    +

    The palaces, cathedrals and museums of St. Petersburg represent some of the finest art and architecture on earth. This UNESCO World Heritage site was built as the shining symbol of the Russian empire's golden age. But behind the gold curtain, a dark history has left some of Russia's greatest treasures on the brink. Now a select few must safeguard these cherished relics of the past to reveal the city's splendor once again.

  • Venice

    +

    The city of Venice attracts millions of tourist each year with its rich historic and artistic heritage. Behind the beautiful and vibrant facade, lies a city in grave danger. The Adriatic Sea that brought fortune and glory to the city is also a threat to Venice and its lagoon. When the sirens go off, Venetians brace themselves for an incoming attack. The tide rises, floodwater rushes into the city and destroys every artwork or architecture in its path. Expert teams of Engineers, Scientists and Conservators are determined to save this UNESCO World Heritage site from vanishing beneath the waves.

  • Galapagos

    +

    Once teeming with wildlife, the Galapagos Islands are now threatened by man. Discover the endangered animals that live here and how to save them.

  • Prague

    +

    The ancient castles and cathedrals of Prague draw millions of tourists every year… and beneath the city is a hidden underworld that traces the story of this UNESCO World Heritage site through the ages. But time and the forces of nature are threatening to destroy what has survived for over a thousand years. Now, teams of explorers, engineers and master craftsmen must go inside Prague's secret spaces to safeguard its cherished heritage.

  • Lake Turkana

    +

    In Northern Kenya's unforgiving desert landscape, Lake Turkana's shores are home to the oldest-known fossil remains of our human ancestors and to one the world's largest breeding grounds for Nile crocodiles. Over the years, Turkana's already parched land has faced an environmental catastrophe - the Lake is drying up. But even in the face of adverse climate change, scientists and experts have been relentless in their quest to protect this remarkable land, with its unparalleled fossil beds and its numerous species of bees, for the sake of understanding our human story and perhaps to save our future. Fortunately, hope is within reach for Turkana:...