(EMAILWIRE.COM, January 21, 2009 ) More than 200 spectacular destinations from around the world, from the Grand Canyon to Mount Everest to Uluru, are vying for the chance to become one of the seven new wonders of nature…

The New7Wonders Foundation was established in 2001 by the Swiss-born Canadian filmmaker, author and adventurer Bernard Weber to contribute to the protection of the world’s human-built and natural heritage and to foster respect for the cultural diversity on our planet.

Australian sites dominated the original nominee list of 441 destinations, nabbing 14 of the places.

The highly competitive list was reduced by public voting to 261 nominees from 222 countries, ranging from Niagara Falls and Lake Superior between Canada and the United States, and the Great Barrier Reef between Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Australia’s Uluru is also still in contention.

Tourism Australia Managing Director Geoff Buckley said he hoped the stage two qualification of Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef would provide the opportunity to continue to preserve and promote the vast array of national treasures that Australia beholds.

“Credit goes to all parties who have worked so hard to preserve these outstanding natural sites over the years,” he said.

New Zealand’s spectacular fiord Milford Sound in the south west of New Zealand’s South Island, is also in the final line up.

More than a billion people are expected to join in internet voting that will now nominate 77 semi finalists for the top natural wonders, which will share in the glory already enjoyed by the seven man-made wonders chosen 18 months ago.

Tia Viering of the New Seven Wonders campaign, said, “We are calling on people all over the world to actively show their appreciation for our natural world by joining together to celebrate the most extraordinary sites on our planet.”

Some lesser known sites still in the running include Yasur Volcano in Vanuatu or Nigeria’s Zuma Rock, a giant monolith in the middle of the African country.

A panel of experts in nature, chaired by Federico Mayor, Former Chief of UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, will reduce the list to 21 finalists in July.

The seven winners will then be chosen in another round of public voting lasting until 2011, this time by internet, telephone and text messages.

Seven man made wonders

Eighteen months ago, the New7Wonders Foundation previously chose the seven manmade wonders, which attracted 100 million votes.

The winners were the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt; the Colosseum, Italy; the Great Wall of China; the Taj Mahal, India; Petra, Jordan; Christ the Redeemer Statue, Brazil; Machu Picchu, Peru; and the Pyramid at Chichen Itza, Mexico.

Votes for the seven new wonders of nature can be cast until July 7th by registering on the website www.new7wonders.com.

For more information on Australian properties and the market in general, please visit http://australia.themovechannel.com/

-ENDS-

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