The Diario de Avisos Foundation presents the first edition of the TERRA AWARDS, international awards that recognize unique initiatives for the improvement and conservation of World Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO, and which, due to their innovative nature and exemplary work, have provided added value to the enrichment and protection of natural and cultural assets. These prizes will be awarded annually with the collaboration of UNESCO and will be held in the city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, declared a World Heritage Site since 1999.
These distinctions aim to verify and recognize the exceptional imprint that these types of initiatives and projects have on our environment, culture, economy and quality of life, valuing world heritage as a key asset for the construction and consolidation of a more prosperous society.
In this first edition, the jury of the Terra Awards has decided to award distinctions to: the Acropolis of Athens (Greece), the Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque (Mexico), the María Reiche International Association for Art & Science (Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa, Peru), the monumental complex of Stonehenge (Great Britain) and the Group of World Heritage Cities of Spain.
The distinctions will be awarded during a ceremony that will take place on September 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the emblematic Leal Theater in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, with a special performance by tenor Celso Albelo, a native of La Laguna, and one of more international voices most appreciated and applauded in the world of opera.
TERRA AWARD FOR INNOVATION: THE ACROPOLIS OF ATHENS
Located in the most strategic enclave of Athens, the Acropolis stands imposingly on a huge site 156 meters above sea level for millennia.
Scene of amazing chronicles, conquests and extraordinary stories dating back to the 4th century BC, this architectural complex is the greatest symbol of the majesty and beauty of the classical architecture of ancient Greece, as well as a direct link with the seeds of culture and western thought.
The passing of centuries of history has posed a challenge for this colossal structure, which has an exceptional team of archaeologists, architects, engineers and conservators who have successfully faced the titanic task of rescuing it from the inexorable passage of time.
Also known as the “sacred rock”, it owes its current splendor to one of the most innovative conservation and restoration works carried out at an international level.
Research, design and the use of various technological applications have made it possible to mitigate the enormous difficulties of structural and surface conservation of the Acropolis monuments, accompanying this work with numerous educational and informative programs and applications that enhance the value of this World Heritage Site. Humanity, declared as such by UNESCO in 1987.
TERRA AWARD FOR LIFETIME: MARIA REICHE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR ART AND SCIENCE
In the middle of one of the driest deserts in the world, one of the greatest enigmas of archeology of all time emerges: what we know today as ´Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa´.
These mysterious forms, traced on the wild canvas of the immense Peruvian pampas as a challenging testimony of the Nasca culture, fascinated a young German scientist named María Reiche, who moved to Peru in the 1930s to investigate, disseminate and protect them. until the end of his days, discovering in them his passion and life purpose.
His hard and persevering work was decisive for this extraordinary archaeological enclave, distinguished as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994, to acquire outstanding international relevance, sponsoring both society and public bodies, a greater awareness of the need to protect them and decipher their message.
His legacy has had its most worthy and committed followers in the Association that bears his name, an entity with offices in Peru and Germany that, since its foundation in 2011, has been in charge of keeping its spirit and mission alive through numerous projects of research and conservation of this sacred territory, unique in the world.
TERRA AWARD FOR TOURISM INITIATIVE: GROUP OF WORLD HERITAGE CITIES OF SPAIN
The beauty, magic and history treasured by the 15 Spanish cities declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO constitute a unique legacy.
Its artistic monuments, architecture or landscapes give shape to a colorful, varied and surprising kaleidoscope, which takes shape thanks to the trail left by the different cultures and civilizations that have been a relevant part of its history for millennia.
Acting jointly in the defense and promotion of this exceptional legacy has been the commitment of the Group of World Heritage Cities of Spain, a non-profit association made up of 15 cities, which since its birth in 1993 has been an example of mutual respect and reciprocity when working in a coordinated manner to achieve its objectives.
The epic task of conserving its values, correctly facing the difficulties and emerging challenges, together with the extraordinary initiative of promoting an original and innovative tourist offer around them, the seed of synergies that favor opportunities for socioeconomic development and well-being in its areas of influence, are their hallmarks and an example of cooperation that has made them worthy of international recognition and admiration.
TERRA CIUDAD DE LA LAGUNA AWARD FOR CONSERVATION: THE PRE-HISPANIC CITY AND NATIONAL PARK OF PALENQUE
´Place of the great waters´ is the name by which Palenque was originally known, capital of a large region located in the middle of the exuberant jungle of the Mexican state of Chiapas, which owes this name to the virtuous example of hydraulic architecture that it possesses. .
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, this enclave exhibits one of the most impressive architectural spectacles on the planet, testimony to one of the main Mayan metropolises and headquarters of one of its most powerful dynasties, something that has made it one of the the Protected Natural Areas with the highest number of visitors per year.
From the majesty and complexity of its layout and monuments, Palenque stands as one of the best preserved archaeological sites in the world, considered an authentic sanctuary from the pre-Hispanic era and an incomparable work of art and genius of one of the most amazing civilizations and of greatest impact in history.
Extraordinarily integrated into the natural environment that surrounds it, with an area of 1,771 hectares, its research, conservation and restoration has been an enormous challenge for the exceptional team in charge of discovering and preserving the innumerable treasures it houses, through various projects that have succeeded in safeguarding its extraordinary value.
TERRA AWARD FOR EMERGING CHALLENGES INITIATIVE: STONEHENGE MONUMENTAL COMPLEX
Stonehenge is one of the most important prehistoric megalithic monuments in the world and one of the great icons of Great Britain.
Erected for hundreds of years, the reason for its rise remains a mystery, representing the magic of this Neolithic masterpiece, one of the most remarkable testimonies of the ancient world.
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986, its spectacular nature lies not only in its size, but also in the sophistication and precision of its architectural design, as well as its ability to stimulate the curiosity and imagination of both those who visit it and of those who from science try to unravel its secrets.
Almost indestructible after five thousand years of history, the most famous stone circle on the planet resists the many challenges that occur in its environment, under the constant threat of erosion, changing environmental conditions, the constant influx of tourists and climate change .
It is thanks to Stonehenge’s research, conservation and protection work that today we can continue to marvel at this inexhaustible window into the past and wonder about the motivations that led to its original construction.
