Natural landscape: a personal and profound journey

Do you know what a natural landscape is? I'm sure you've heard of them: those environments where nature dominates, without significant human intervention. But have you ever stopped to observe them really? Let me tell you what I have learned about them throughout my life, not only from books, but by living them. Because believe me, talking about natural landscapes from a sofa has nothing to do with facing the icy wind of a mountain range or getting lost in the infinite green of a jungle.

What is a natural landscape?

The concept sounds simple: a natural landscape is a space where the elements of the environment (mountains, rivers, flora and fauna) are in their original state, with no or minimal human alteration. But their importance goes far beyond that. They are the heart of the ecological balance and the refuge of thousands of species, including, paradoxically, ourselves.

From the blue glaciers of Patagonia to the red deserts of Atacama, natural landscapes tell stories of millions of years. And you know what's most fascinating? That each one has a unique personality.

The types of natural landscapes I've experienced

Over the years, I've been lucky enough to explore several of these ecosystems. Some taught me to be resilient, others gave me peace. Here's a tour of my favorites:

Mountains and ranges

• The mountains are not only imposing because of their height, but because they confront you with yourself. I remember the Andes: every step taught me something. The scarce air, the endless views and the brutal cold make you value every breath of oxygen.

Wetlands and mangroves

• If you haven't walked among mangroves, you haven't felt life. In those aquatic labyrinths, like those of Costa Rica, the sound of birds and water surrounds you. A fragile ecosystem but essential to filter water and protect the coasts.

Deserts

• Here is no place for the weak. The Sahara taught me the essentials of life: water, shade and perseverance. It is a landscape of extreme contrasts that takes your breath away (literally).

Tropical rainforests

• The Amazon was like entering another planet. The air, dense and full of the smells of earth and life, reminds you how insignificant you are. In every corner there is something moving, growing or watching you.

Characteristics of natural landscapes

Eye! Not all natural landscapes are the same. What defines them are some key elements:

• Unique flora and fauna: Biodiversity is their greatest treasure.
• Impressive reliefs: Mountains, plains, valleys... each shape has its magic.
• Specific climate: From the scorching heat of a desert to the extreme cold of a glacier.

These factors not only make them visually appealing, but essential to the survival of the planet.

My personal connection to natural landscapes

Traveling through these places has not only gifted me with beautiful photos. It has transformed me. Each landscape has taught me something different:

• Pacity: In the mountains I learned that the summit doesn't matter as much as the path.
• Humility: Faced with a glacier, you understand that you are an insignificant fraction of the planet's history.
• Care: The rainforest showed me how easy it is to damage something beautiful and how difficult it is to repair it.

The importance of conserving them

Here comes the critical point: natural landscapes are not eternal. Urbanization, mining and climate change are destroying them at an alarming rate. Yes, at that rate!

What can we do?

• Be responsible tourists: Leave no trace where we go.
• Support nature reserves: National parks are not there just for the pictures.
• Changing daily habits: Recycling, reducing water and energy consumption helps more than you think.

My invitation to you

If you haven't felt the magic of a natural landscape, you're missing out. You don't need to travel to the other side of the world. Find a nearby park, a seldom-visited beach or a mountain in your region. Breathe, observe and feel.

Because, in the end, natural landscapes are the mirror of who we are as humanity. If we don't take care of them, what are we left with?

What are we left with?