Magnificent, fascinating and often mysterious – the islands have tempted us for centuries with their exoticism, wildlife and rich culture. From the tropical jewels of the Pacific Ocean to wild Arctic landscapes, the world’s largest islands are like microcosms, filled with extraordinary experiences and surprises. Get ready for a journey through ocean waters in search of nature’s greatest wonders – islands that hide much more than you might expect.
Greenland: an icy land full of mystery
Greenland is the queen in terms of size. It ranks first with an area of more than 2 million square kilometers. It is an autonomous part of Denmark, known for its low population density and huge ice cover. Greenland is attracting interest not only for its impressive ice landscapes and spectacular views of the aurora borealis, but also for its rich history, culture and ecology. Located in the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean, it continues to tempt researchers, travelers and naturalists who want to explore its undiscovered nooks and crannies and understand its importance to the entire planet.
Although Greenland is largely covered by ice, its coastlines are teeming with marine animals, including whales, seals and birds. Inland, you can see reindeer, Arctic foxes and polar bears that have adapted to the harsh conditions on the island. Today, Greenland is also attracting attention because of climate change. Glaciers are melting at an alarming rate, with serious consequences for the entire globe. Sea level rise, changes in animal migration and destabilization of marine ecosystems are just some of the problems facing the island.
The world’s largest island is a symbol of both natural beauty and the need to protect the environment. The future of our planet is closely tied to its fate, and researching and protecting this unique area is an important challenge for humanity. These changes could have consequences for the continuity of food chains, animal migration and the overall ecological balance in the region.
New Guinea: a jewel in the Pacific
New Guinea, the world’s second-largest island, impresses not only with its abundance of terrestrial wildlife, but also with its diversity in the aquatic environment. Located in the western Pacific Ocean, it offers an unforgettable experience for nature explorers and ecotourism enthusiasts alike. The waters around New Guinea are among the most diverse and species-rich in the world. The coral reef there is home to thousands of species of fish, mollusks, crustaceans and invertebrates, creating one of the most colorful ecosystems on Earth.
The Eastern Indonesia Coral Reef Reserve, which covers part of the waters around New Guinea, is considered the epicenter of marine biodiversity. It is a place where numerous species of fish, sharks, sea turtles and dolphins come together, creating an extraordinary spectacle. However, there is no denying that New Guinea’s water environment is increasingly under threat. Pollution, overfishing, destruction of coral reefs and climate change are putting the existence of this unique ecosystem in question.
Borneo: the heart of the tropics
The third largest island in the world is Borneo, located in Southeast Asia. This place is famous for its rainforests, which are home to orangutans and many other endangered species. The island impresses not only with its wildlife, but also with its unusual aquatic environment. Borneo’s rivers, flowing through dense rainforests and mountainous terrain, play a key role in the island’s life. They are not only a source of drinking water for local communities, but also provide habitats for numerous species of fish, amphibians and birds. Many of these rivers are also popular destinations for rafting and eco-tourism, attracting nature lovers from all over the world. In contrast, the waters of the Pacific Ocean surrounding Borneo are known for their beautiful coral reefs.
Madagascar: extraordinary diversity of nature
The fourth largest island, Madagascar, is known for its endemic flora and fauna, which evolved in isolation from the rest of the world. Located off the east coast of Africa, in the Indian Ocean, it is home to lemurs and stately baobabs. More than 90 percent. species from Madagascar are not found in any other place on Earth. Nature is undoubtedly one of its greatest treasures. The coral reef formed in the waters around the island includes thousands of species of corals, fish, invertebrates and plants, creating a remarkable underwater city. Marine mammals such as dolphins, whales and dugongs also inhabit the area.
Baffin Island: an Arctic giant
The world’s fifth largest, Baffin Island is the largest island in the Arctic Sea Archipelago. Most of it is already located beyond the northern Arctic Circle. While it may be difficult to access due to its harshness, it is also fascinating in its wildness and beauty. This Canadian island is a unique place to observe polar bears. A rich marine life thrives in the waters around Baffin Island, despite the extreme climatic conditions. They are home to many species of fish, including cod, salmon or pollock. Seabirds, such as gulls and albatrosses, hunt for fish in the surrounding waters, creating amazing spectacles in the sky in the process.
But it’s not just fish and birds that make up the wealth of marine ecosystems. Seals are present in these waters for most of the year, taking advantage of the availability of food and ice platforms to rest and breed. Although the waters around Baffin Island are relatively unpolluted, climate change and pollution pose a growing threat to this fragile ecosystem. Melting glaciers and increasing amounts of plastic are just some of the challenges humans face if they want to protect this marine environment.
The richness of Sumatra’s water environment
In the Indonesian archipelago, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, lies one of the most fascinating islands in the world, the sixth largest Sumatra. This huge land mass with a subtropical climate and lush vegetation has attracted travelers, explorers and adventurers for years. It delights in their contrasts – from active volcanoes to lush rainforests. Sumatra’s coasts are not only home to beautiful beaches and paradisiacal vistas, but also habitats for a variety of marine species, including dolphins, turtles and whale sharks. These waters are also a popular destination for divers and water sports enthusiasts who want to discover underwater wonders such as coral reefs.
The development of tourism in Sumatra challenges people to protect these unique marine ecosystems. Overuse of natural resources, pollution and inappropriate tourism practices can lead to the degradation of coral reefs and loss of biodiversity. These are just a few examples of the world’s islands. Each has its own unique history and character, which make them fascinating subjects for research and discovery. The islands are also important for global biodiversity and culture.
The largest islands in the world – let’s take care of them
Protection of the islands’ water environment is becoming a key issue. Initiatives such as monitoring climate change, protecting marine areas and reducing pollution are essential to preserving their beauty and extraordinary nature.
Photo. main: Rio Bahtiar/Unsplash