A new Web site has been launched on which people from around the world can cast their votes for their picks on “New Seven Wonders of the World,” according to a statement from the project.
In conjunction with UN Scientific Educational and Cultural Organization, the project draws on the 480 man-made world heritage sites designated by Unesco. Project officials have selected 17 sites from five populated continents, the release said.
The sites were chosen using the criteria set forth by Philo of Byzantium, who selected landmarks considered to be extraordinary, exceptional and exemplary of human engineering and spirit.
In addition to the 17 picked by the project, six additional sites have been added due to popular demand. One of these is Cambodia’s famed Angkor Wat temple.
“Ever since Philo of Byzantium compiled his declaration of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’ in 200 BC, he has appeared to have had the final word,” said Bernard Weber, founder and CEO of the New 7 Wonders Society, according to the release.
Now, “people will have the last word in deciding on the new wonders of the world to champion as a lasting part of our shared world heritage,” he said in the release.
The project and Web site have been created to raise the public’s awareness of historic landmark preservation, the release said. For more information and to vote, go to http://www.new7wonders.com.
