Montagnes dorées de l'Altaï

Photo : Francesco Bandarin (CC BY-SA 3.0 igo)

Located in the Altai region of Russia, this site encompasses a vast mountainous landscape characterized by striking golden-hued peaks and diverse ecosystems. The region represents a significant area of natural and cultural importance, featuring pristine wilderness with complex geological formations and varied terrain ranging from high alpine zones to forested valleys. The landscape holds importance for its biodiversity and as a region of historical significance to indigenous peoples and traditional communities of the Altai. The distinctive coloration of the mountains, which inspired the site's name, results from mineral composition and geological processes that have shaped the area over millennia. The site reflects the interaction between natural systems and human settlement patterns across this mountainous territory. Its designation recognizes the combined value of the landscape's natural characteristics and its cultural dimensions within Russian heritage.