Vote for the Acropolis in the 'New 7 Wonders Campaign'

By Maria A. Karamitsos
The Greek Star

CHICAGO - Many of us could probably choose seven sites in Greece to be called wonders of the world. Still, others can name all of the official Seven Wonders of the World. None of the contenders are new, so why a "New 7 Wonders of the World" campaign?

Swiss adventurer Bernard Weber created The "New7Wonders Foundation" in 2001. His mission: to protect humankind's heritage across the globe. Weber financed the initial stages of the campaign himself, and then began signing on members shortly after. Of the revenues raised by this project, 50% of net revenue raised will be used to fund restoration efforts worldwide. One such project is the mission to recreate the giant Bamiyan Buddha statue in Afghanistan, which was featured in the Swiss Pavilion along with the New 7 Wonders project at the 2005 World Fair in Japan.

Their motto is "Our heritage is our future." Underlying this motto is their goal is to "document, maintain, restore and reconstruct world heritage." They strive to use the project to preserve monuments in jeopardy and in danger of decay. Based at the Heidi-Weber-Museum in Zurich, Switzerland the foundation is now well advanced in its aims, with many milestones already reached.

By the end of 2005, 21 finalists were selected, from a total of 77 entries. The panel consisted of internationally noted architects. The finalists were announced on New Year's Day 2006, by the panel's president, Professor Federico Mayor, in Switzerland.

Finalists include: the Acropolis in Athens, the Coliseum in Rome, the Great Wall of China, Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, Easter Island, the Kremlin, Machu Picchu, Petra, the Pyramids of Giza, Stonehenge, the Sydney Opera House, Neuschwanstein Casde, the Taj Majal, the-Alhambra Palace, Chicken Itza, Timbuktu, the Kiyomizu Temple (in Japan), the Eiffel Tower, Chris the Redeemer and the Statue of Liberty.

Voting can be done via phone or online, at www.new7wonders.com. With free registration, one receives 7 votes. Casting a vote provides free membership. Once can also vote and buy a certificate for $2, featuring a monument. The site is available in several different languages, including Greek.

The marketing agency made a promotional stop in Athens on September 6, held a press conference to announce the campaign and launched a hot air balloon from Acropolis Hill.

A special area of the Website contains information for schools to educate students on these magnificent monuments and get them involved in the projects. Kids can learn about the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, as well as the finalist monuments. Classroom tools and project ideas are also included.

Also available op, the site is merchandise for purchase, to show support for specific monuments. To actively support the foundation sponsorships, event licensing and media licensing opportunities are available.

The New 7 Wonders of the World wiIl be announced on July 7, 2007 in Lisbon, Portugal. Vote today, by visiting www.new7wonders.com.

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