Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.
New Seven Wonders of Natural World revealed amidst controversy
After four years of hype and fanfare, the new seven wonders of the natural world were unveiled last Friday, honoring some of the most amazing landscapes on the planet. But as the competition drew to a close, dark clouds of controversy formed, casting a shadow over the entire affair.The selection process for the new seven wonders began back in 2007, when 440 natural wonders, from 220 countries, were first submitted for consideration. Over the course of several rounds of voting and judging, that number was eventually reduced to 28 finalist. The seven winners were selected from that list following months of online voting.
According to the preliminary results, the new seven wonders include the following: the Amazon Rainforest (South America); Halong Bay (Vietnam); Iguazu Falls (Argentina/Brazil), Jeju Island (South Korea); Komodo National Park (Indonesia); Puerto Princesa Subterranean River (Philippines) and Table Mountain (South Africa).
The organizers behind the new seven wonders are quick to note that this list is for the provisional winners, as they are currently conducting a recount of the votes to ensure that the correct wonders have been named. The results are now being independently verified and they expect to confirm the winners in early 2012.
On the eve of the announcement of those winners, disturbing stories began to emerge about how organizers were attempting to collect millions of dollars from the nations that were home to the finalists. When the search for the new wonders first began more than four years ago, countries were required to pay a $199 entry fee, but as the selection process narrowed the candidates, some countries were asked to pay large sums of cash to aid in a world-wide marketing campaign. The Indonesian government claimed, for example, that the organizers wanted $10 million to cover licensing fees and an additional $47 million to host the official closing ceremony. Earlier, the Maldives withdrew from the competition altogether when costs to participate spiraled upwards towards $500,000.
For their part, organizers of the new seven wonders competition say that their branding efforts were optional, and that allegations of charging exorbitant prices are completely "baseless." They also refused to discuss exactly how much individual countries were charged for taking part in the branding campaign, but did acknowledge that the fees varied by nation.
Considering that the entire "new seven" idea was the brainchild of an international marketing firm, it should come as no surprise that it was seen as a way to make some money. Critics have pointed out however, that the firm should have secured financial backing prior to announcing the campaign four years ago, thus avoiding any attempts to seek funds from the countries involved.
Which brings up another issue with the whole competition. Since the organizers also don't disclose voting numbers, we have to take it on faith that they are reporting the correct winners. After all, it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility that a country that paid the large fees would receive some kind of preferential treatment over those that bulked at them. I suppose the independent verification system is suppose to keep everything on the up-and-up, but there is no denying that there were some strange decisions made along the way.
Those issues aside, what are your feeling on the list of the new seven wonders of the natural world? Did we end up with some good selections or are there others sites that were more worth of inclusion
Considering that the entire "new seven" idea was the brainchild of an international marketing firm, it should come as no surprise that it was seen as a way to make some money. Critics have pointed out however, that the firm should have secured financial backing prior to announcing the campaign four years ago, thus avoiding any attempts to seek funds from the countries involved.
Which brings up another issue with the whole competition. Since the organizers also don't disclose voting numbers, we have to take it on faith that they are reporting the correct winners. After all, it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility that a country that paid the large fees would receive some kind of preferential treatment over those that bulked at them. I suppose the independent verification system is suppose to keep everything on the up-and-up, but there is no denying that there were some strange decisions made along the way.
Those issues aside, what are your feeling on the list of the new seven wonders of the natural world? Did we end up with some good selections or are there others sites that were more worth of inclusion
Filed under: Activism, Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Festivals and Events, Africa, Asia, Oceania, South America, South Africa, Indonesia, South Korea, Philippines, Vietnam, Argentina, Brazil, Ecotourism, News
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Troy Floyd Nov 15th 2011 8:21AM
This is a total scam and is about as bad as it gets to robbing people of money as it could be. Mike from GoSeeWrite.com covered this in his article http://www.goseewrite.com/2011/11/new-7-wonders-world-scam-behind-sham/ and I think his words summed it up best as to why.
Seriously he gives clear points as to why and who was behind this marketing scam, Bernard Weber. If anyone takes this seriously or any government actually tries to push it as a 7 wonder, then I'd be more turned off by it then wanting to actually visit or know more about it. Was sad to that most people have no clue about this (as I didn't either until recently but at the same time I didn't care really) but even clebs and government officials were involved with pushing their wonders.
Seriously though, South Africa with Table Mountain for a Top 7 Wonder... WTF???
buddhaactsafool Jan 10th 2012 10:16PM
Speaking of the Philippines...if you make your way to Manila (which you probably will), you have to check out the Cheapest Eye Glasses in South East Asia!!
If you wear glasses like I do, then you'll be excited. If not, never mind...you won't care :)
http://thisboundlessworld.com/where-to-find-the-cheapest-prescription-eye-glasses-in-south-east-asia
Thanks!!