A Natural Monument is a natural/cultural feature of outstanding or unique value because of its inherent rarity, representative of aesthetic qualities or cultural significance.

Guidelines for selection of a natural monument are:

• The area should contain one or more features of outstanding significance. Appropriate natural features include spectacular waterfalls, caves, craters, fossil beds, sand dunes and marine features, along with unique or representative fauna and flora; associated cultural features might include cave dwellings, cliff-top forts, archaeological sites, or natural sites which have heritage significance to indigenous peoples.
• The area should be large enough to protect the integrity of the feature and its immediately related surroundings.

References

European Environment Agency glossary

See also

• U.S. National Monument
• World Conservation Union