Several Middle Eastern countries are competing to have their natural treasures listed on the new “Seven Wonders of the World” online competition. Some friendly competition for a change?
The Lebanese are lobbying that their majestic cave complex will make the list. The Jeita Grotto (pictured above), sits in a river valley near Beirut, and is currently ranked 24th out of 77 on the list of “New 7 Wonders of Nature”.
“The Jeita cave is considered one of the largest and most beautiful caves in the world, with an impressive diversity of rock shapes and colours,” said Nabil Haddad, the cave’s general manager in Newsx.com.
Other sites in the Middle East include Wadi Rum in Jordan, Israel’s Ein Gedi oasis, the Red Sea corals shared by Jordan, Israel and Egypt, the Dead Sea, and the vanishing Mesopotamian Marshes in Iraq.
According to Newsx, activists and visitors alike are eagerly waiting the results, which will be announced on New Year’s Day, according to the website. Twenty-one finalists will be announced next July 21.
“Voting will continue throughout 2010 and into 2011. During this time, the New7Wonders World Tour will visit each of the Finalists to allow them to present themselves to the voters across the globe,” the competition’s website says.
Your country doesn’t have to make the list to be considered a “Wonder,” but we like the initiative because it draws attention to sites worth saving.
I put my vote in a while back, but honestly wasnt happy with the results. I mean, if you've ever been to the Jeita Grotto you would know it's an incredible place. To be honest, I've been 'into' one of the pyramids and there was nothing spectacular nor impressive by them…just their size…the Caves though, breath taking to say the least.