tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91489232571047425152024-03-13T08:20:31.072+06:00New Wonders Of NatureNew Wonders of Naturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15338764321817364898noreply@blogger.comBlogger500125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148923257104742515.post-30545688711633499982011-10-13T09:56:00.001+06:002011-10-13T09:56:00.392+06:00Sundarbans<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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Bangladesh, India<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPMWOBqbdRlMe7s7oMTMnvJuicnt189Fm6sjbF-xiTNBnOnXynht-oMtE49mk_Y4P994wDCsC38efYvvue8QERKavJYOSzsidhu-LbQLzT4Ycwvi-X1Z-UqwT9jhE-uFzmL0s7dxjM7op/s1600/68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPMWOBqbdRlMe7s7oMTMnvJuicnt189Fm6sjbF-xiTNBnOnXynht-oMtE49mk_Y4P994wDCsC38efYvvue8QERKavJYOSzsidhu-LbQLzT4Ycwvi-X1Z-UqwT9jhE-uFzmL0s7dxjM7op/s640/68.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The Sundarbans delta, at the mouth of the Ganges river, is the largest mangrove forest in the world, spreading across parts of Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. The Sundarbans features a complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats and small islands of salt-tolerant mangrove forests. The area is known for its wide range of fauna, with the Royal Bengal tiger being the most famous, but also including many birds, spotted deer, crocodiles and snakes.<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148923257104742515.post-20844849585996872202011-10-13T09:54:00.001+06:002011-10-13T09:54:15.458+06:00Ambassador praises PPUR at UN HQ in New York<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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BY EAMONN FITZGERALD ON JULY 15, 2011 IN PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdc3gj5V102fERJMP1eZZNEXSTUPSyfPO3HM4NWCVeqX9WPd5n6-ZZQTcivGiJgt_T1XVcrOu57_UgNEIdo372uysrUiOTfrBoCBgYcHgebMAtfCbWmkzo88qi93gyAFbdePVyShEFLZ7F/s1600/43%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdc3gj5V102fERJMP1eZZNEXSTUPSyfPO3HM4NWCVeqX9WPd5n6-ZZQTcivGiJgt_T1XVcrOu57_UgNEIdo372uysrUiOTfrBoCBgYcHgebMAtfCbWmkzo88qi93gyAFbdePVyShEFLZ7F/s640/43%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The headquarters of the United Nations is located in the Turtle Bay neighborhood of Manhattan, on spacious grounds overlooking New York's East River.<br />
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The Philippines Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Libran N. Cabactulan, has urged support for the campaign to name the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) as one of the New7Wonders of Nature.<br />
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“The Puerto Princesa Underground River is truly a marvel of nature and deserves to be included in this list of new seven wonders of nature,” Ambassador Cabactulan said.<br />
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He continued: “We urge Filipinos and the many friends of the Philippines around the world to support the campaign for the Puerto Princesa Underground River. With this vital support, we can help ensure that the Puerto Princesa Underground River is indeed duly recognized for the marvel that it truly is.”<br />
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The Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations has provided a link on its website as part of its support for the campaign.<br />
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</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com184tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148923257104742515.post-37686852783561185302011-10-13T09:53:00.001+06:002011-10-13T09:53:01.775+06:00Tourist arrivals triple thanks to N7W PPUR promotion<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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BY EAMONN FITZGERALD ON JULY 26, 2011 IN PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtlTaPn_QI6GWApNcIUX5Rb-q1iGBqB_hnWNb9optv-A0Nz6h4hz3S_6IBnSPI3twMVz-XV7fegs-f8ddiRE7m1CBZ7Sq5wNTq9j0lifEk-RPORtA0ffLslN1FYNSx7zG10Lx1pxQeJd8/s1600/67.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtlTaPn_QI6GWApNcIUX5Rb-q1iGBqB_hnWNb9optv-A0Nz6h4hz3S_6IBnSPI3twMVz-XV7fegs-f8ddiRE7m1CBZ7Sq5wNTq9j0lifEk-RPORtA0ffLslN1FYNSx7zG10Lx1pxQeJd8/s320/67.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located about 50 km north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines.<br />
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Traffic into and out of Puerto Princesa Airport has increased so dramatically that public representatives in the island province of Palawan in the Philippines are calling for an urgent upgrade of the facility. Tourist arrivals have tripled due to the promotion of the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) in the New7Wonders of Nature campaign, according to an article in the Manila Bulletin.<br />
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Puerto Princesa International Airport (Filipino: Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Puerto Princesa) serves Puerto Princesa City. It is classified as an international airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. The cost of the proposed expansion and upgrade project of the terminal is estimated at US$97.78 writes the Manila Bulletin:<br />
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“This will involve the construction of new landside facilities in the north western side of the existing runway such as passenger terminal building, control tower, administration & operation building, cargo terminal building, rescue & fire fighting building and other support facilities, the construction of new apron and connecting taxiways, upgrading of the existing 2.6-kilometer runway and its strip, and the provision of new navigational and traffic control equipment.”<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148923257104742515.post-84398642116009636372011-10-13T09:51:00.003+06:002011-10-13T09:51:59.708+06:00PP Underground River<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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Philippines<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wlcx2tnn1ZzVbYlCOwA3zI2UBdEU_hNh9Ba1b2kUMYw4v36gFSlMsTWlxUzdnf1WcZxpiLP5bNounNZCWV8q7ycvyjbM1fspmdo2t8AlJeOorQE4ZycYtNu1ykFAbJd7oEgLQacd8MxI/s1600/65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wlcx2tnn1ZzVbYlCOwA3zI2UBdEU_hNh9Ba1b2kUMYw4v36gFSlMsTWlxUzdnf1WcZxpiLP5bNounNZCWV8q7ycvyjbM1fspmdo2t8AlJeOorQE4ZycYtNu1ykFAbJd7oEgLQacd8MxI/s640/65.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located about 50 km north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. It features a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 km. navigable underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. It includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers. The lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. The underground river is reputed to be the world's longest. At the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water's edge. Monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels find their niche on the beach near the cave.<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148923257104742515.post-36016862559377981322011-10-13T09:51:00.001+06:002011-10-13T09:51:14.540+06:00Mud volcanoes come to school in Baku<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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BY EAMONN FITZGERALD ON APRIL 15, 2011 IN MUD VOLCANOES<br />
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The wonderful world of volcanic mud in Azerbaijan<br />
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According to the Azerbaijani business information portal ABC.AZ, the Institute of Geology of National Science Academy of Azerbaijan held an open day on Tuesday for pupils of Baku school No.160 during which the students familiarized themselves with mud volcanoes and how they are created.<br />
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Among the institute’s core competencies is the study of the mud volcanism phenomenon.<br />
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At the event, the Director of the Geology Institute Akif Alizadeh told the pupils about the peculiarities of geology and science, as well as the history of the institute’s development. “Within the event the pupils visited different departments and labs of the institute, got familiar with the institute’s information base on mud volcanoes, earthquake zones as well as compute forecasting of movement changes and other processes in the earth crust,” reported ABZ.AZ.<br />
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Azerbaijan and its Caspian coastline are home to nearly 400 mud volcanoes. In 2001, one mud volcano, 15 kilometres from Baku, made world headlines when it began spitting flames 15 metres high.<br />
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</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148923257104742515.post-33130111743382932192011-10-13T09:50:00.001+06:002011-10-13T09:50:32.237+06:00Mud Volcanoes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDUNEjYnKQjTNLW2PujD2tZwZYxXMhu2wxHAFLd-A1yHpMXhqjD5xhHECAOsCAW6z_CNMAtzyvz6uPL4lqQQfS3-KZwOYk-ypH6KovUhIqsO_LUkD-CerBvIGKFwCHlDZLNzhUQNMWwS7/s1600/28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDUNEjYnKQjTNLW2PujD2tZwZYxXMhu2wxHAFLd-A1yHpMXhqjD5xhHECAOsCAW6z_CNMAtzyvz6uPL4lqQQfS3-KZwOYk-ypH6KovUhIqsO_LUkD-CerBvIGKFwCHlDZLNzhUQNMWwS7/s320/28.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Azerbaijan<br />
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The term mud volcano or mud dome is used to refer to formations created by geo-excreted liquids and gases, although there are several different processes which may cause such activity. It is estimated that 300 of the planet's estimated 700 mud volcanoes are found in Gobustan, Azerbaijan and the Caspian Sea. In Azerbaijan, eruptions are driven from a deep mud reservoir which is connected to the surface even during dormant periods, when seeping water still shows a deep origin. Seeps have temperatures up to 2–3 °C above the ambient temperature. In 2001, one mud volcano 15 kilometers from Baku made world headlines when it suddenly started spewing flames 15 m high.<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148923257104742515.post-60316863778788354962011-10-13T09:49:00.001+06:002011-10-13T09:49:08.236+06:00Azerbaijan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2Mtvi60lxkRoB6U_QajJmk8KgeARZVMAoqR8VRXhUVavEjwPIP2Fo3Pv4t34OQrEcALq77yu-pNrsXOActFs0nGTF-mwTNualqFDtGTDRV75uByqn1l8cJ9auJqGjOc_GhdJxRyXyxoh/s1600/43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2Mtvi60lxkRoB6U_QajJmk8KgeARZVMAoqR8VRXhUVavEjwPIP2Fo3Pv4t34OQrEcALq77yu-pNrsXOActFs0nGTF-mwTNualqFDtGTDRV75uByqn1l8cJ9auJqGjOc_GhdJxRyXyxoh/s640/43.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The term mud volcano or mud dome is used to refer to formations created by geo-excreted liquids and gases, although there are several different processes which may cause such activity. It is estimated that 300 of the planet's estimated 700 mud volcanoes are found in Gobustan, Azerbaijan and the Caspian Sea. In Azerbaijan, eruptions are driven from a deep mud reservoir which is connected to the surface even during dormant periods, when seeping water still shows a deep origin. Seeps have temperatures up to 2–3 °C above the ambient temperature. In 2001, one mud volcano 15 kilometers from Baku made world headlines when it suddenly started spewing flames 15 m high.<br />
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</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148923257104742515.post-5624653494663977342011-10-13T09:47:00.001+06:002011-10-13T09:47:38.933+06:00Hobbit and rugby this year in New Zealand<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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BY EAMONN FITZGERALD ON JANUARY 10, 2011 IN MILFORD SOUND<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr018z6ZYa1MD3evNvzCn3BS1VgPvIm-M6tfXc3cahi_ij6u6ahvZHU0svCKP7xV2UstHs9Zq3XzwZTXS-UXZ8LWnD2aWGgl2bgOKdyWO7hSSSJuR95KPdXTra0puvplB2BhzgHtHXBnPs/s1600/61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr018z6ZYa1MD3evNvzCn3BS1VgPvIm-M6tfXc3cahi_ij6u6ahvZHU0svCKP7xV2UstHs9Zq3XzwZTXS-UXZ8LWnD2aWGgl2bgOKdyWO7hSSSJuR95KPdXTra0puvplB2BhzgHtHXBnPs/s640/61.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The magical, mystical landscape and seascape of Milford Sound<br />
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The “Holiday destinations for 2011” picked by the Telegraph range from “the glories of New Zealand’s Middle Earth to the medieval charms of Tallinn”. What does New Zealand have to offer this year?<br />
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“Filming for the highly anticipated two-part adaptation of The Hobbit, the forerunner to Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, begins this year. After much legal wrangling, New Zealand’s glorious natural landscapes will once again serve as the backdrop to Middle Earth, providing further inspiration to explore such unspoilt sites as Milford Sound and the Tongariro National Park. The country will also be hosting the Rugby World Cup in September and October.”<br />
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The Telegraph links to the specialist travel company Exodus, which offers a 19-day adventure tour of New Zealand, visiting all the major cities and attractions, including Milford Sound.<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148923257104742515.post-51927178508243446142011-10-13T09:45:00.001+06:002011-10-13T09:45:32.702+06:00Manukura reminds us how special nature is<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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BY EAMONN FITZGERALD ON MAY 29, 2011 IN MILFORD SOUND<br />
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Manukura<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MEgpdpGcq_iFKOa22bBC44-Sia9AdxK_rjNYnj03y9CQGCYgHjmF-_DJMRx5SuX1AzpThY8ITK12eVGStScG0VvIFM85dQ18YZRFnwoIXFpqatPM_jIJ6T-L7EJCbsXB0H7LzuNvJu7S/s1600/59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MEgpdpGcq_iFKOa22bBC44-Sia9AdxK_rjNYnj03y9CQGCYgHjmF-_DJMRx5SuX1AzpThY8ITK12eVGStScG0VvIFM85dQ18YZRFnwoIXFpqatPM_jIJ6T-L7EJCbsXB0H7LzuNvJu7S/s640/59.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
A rare white kiwi chick that was born at New Zealand’s Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre on 1 May, weighing 250 grams, has been named Manukura by elders from the Rangitane o Wairarapa iwi. Manukura means “of chiefly status”.<br />
Rangitane chief executive Jason Kerehi said tribal elders saw the white chick as a “tohu” or “sign” of new beginnings. “Every now and then something extraordinary comes along to remind you of how special nature is,” Kerehi told the New Zealand Herald.<br />
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Kiwi are flightless birds found only in New Zealand. The kiwi is a national symbol of the country and the term “Kiwi” is used all over the world as the colloquial nickname for New Zealanders. Milford Sound represents New Zealand in the New7Wonders of Nature<br />
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</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148923257104742515.post-14850319695423329202011-10-13T09:44:00.001+06:002011-10-13T09:44:10.080+06:00Milford Sound<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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New Zealand<br />
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Milford Sound, located in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island, is located within the Fiordland National Park.<br />
It runs 15 km inland from the Tasman Sea and is surrounded by sheer rock faces that rise 1200 m or more on either side.<br />
Among its most striking features are Mitre Peak, rising 1,692 m above the sound, the Elephant at 1,517 m and resembling an elephant’s's head, and Lion Mountain, 1,302 m, in the shape of a crouching lion.<br />
Lush rain forests cling precariously to these cliffs, while seals, penguins and dolphins populate the water.<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148923257104742515.post-26436888570778979132011-10-13T09:38:00.001+06:002011-10-13T09:38:52.509+06:00Matterhorn/Cervino<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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Italy, Switzerland<br />
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The Matterhorn/Cervino is perhaps the most familiar mountain in the European Alps. On the border between<br />
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Switzerland and Italy, it towers over the Swiss village of Zermatt and the Italian village Breuil-Cervinia in the<br />
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Val Tournanche. The mountain has four faces, facing the four compass points, respectively, with the north<br />
and south faces meeting to form a short east-west summit ridge. The faces are steep, and only small patches<br />
of snow and ice cling to them; regular avalanches send the snow down to accumulate on the glaciers at the base of each face<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148923257104742515.post-46360918422907299692011-10-13T09:37:00.001+06:002011-10-13T09:37:57.059+06:00Masurian Lake District<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0yvjKBl32HZq-Xxa2DVsYtznmsZC-JSKNWDxdXqVPz-OOzZp-ZgHeAyJg-AdNMJOGSpSavYgu4Dey-_tickSLvGkRxkys2fTK8qdgR3qwCascKdISAP53vgBebKZRNrn6owMoM-Exk4U/s1600/55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0yvjKBl32HZq-Xxa2DVsYtznmsZC-JSKNWDxdXqVPz-OOzZp-ZgHeAyJg-AdNMJOGSpSavYgu4Dey-_tickSLvGkRxkys2fTK8qdgR3qwCascKdISAP53vgBebKZRNrn6owMoM-Exk4U/s640/55.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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The Masurian Lake District or Masurian Lakeland is a lake district in northeastern Poland containing more than 2,000 lakes. It extends roughly 290 km eastwards from the lower Vistula River to the Poland-Lithuania border and occupies an area of roughly 52,000 square kilometers. The lake district was shaped by the Pleistocene ice age. Many of its hills are parts of moraines and many of its lakes are moraine-dammed lakes.<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148923257104742515.post-80461194666769196592011-10-13T09:36:00.001+06:002011-10-13T09:36:32.163+06:00All of Maldives buzz about New7Wonders of Nature campaign<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCAC6WqNYdSa7-jRDSi-D67m-LReIHxlBikYRzhyphenhypheniI9ch9w-7jURi7GJyP8JP8agGrEo908k8akSMvhYmc-2UJdmKkhlYkMIFjIuKTT6wkzEWlIMxxhZboHsA9Wbacgw8ttlszvaSWWwn/s1600/54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCAC6WqNYdSa7-jRDSi-D67m-LReIHxlBikYRzhyphenhypheniI9ch9w-7jURi7GJyP8JP8agGrEo908k8akSMvhYmc-2UJdmKkhlYkMIFjIuKTT6wkzEWlIMxxhZboHsA9Wbacgw8ttlszvaSWWwn/s640/54.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
BY EAMONN FITZGERALD ON NOVEMBER 30, 2009 IN MALDIVES<br />
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The magnificent Maldives<br />
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Zurich/Switzerland — In this serene island country, famed for its white beaches and diverse underwater ecosystem, New7Wonders has captivated the population!<br />
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As part of the campaign to make the Maldives one of the Official New7Wonders of Nature, the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board conducted a survey in mid-November to determine the level of awareness and interest amongst the Maldivian people. An amazing 94.9% said that they are aware of the global election, and more than eight out of ten respondents said that they have voted for the Maldives.<br />
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“Seeing so many Maldivians express their pride at being one of the elite 28 Official New7Wonders of Nature Finalists is terrific. This national awareness will be a huge asset as people spread the word to family, friends and visitors, and it brings the country together. Such excitement at home is a perfect base for a successful global campaign,” notes Tia B. Viering, Head of Communications for New7Wonders.<br />
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Recently, another creative initiative that also called attention to the New7Wonders Finalist status was President Mohamed Nasheed’s underwater cabinet meeting, held in October to underscore the archipelago’s fragility.<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148923257104742515.post-43540174423114595382011-10-13T09:35:00.001+06:002011-10-13T09:35:13.456+06:00Islands of the Maldives<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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The Maldive Islands make up an island nation consisting of 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean. They are located south of India’s Lakshadweep islands, about 700 kilometers south-west of Sri Lanka. The Maldives encompass 1,192 small islands, roughly two hundred of which are inhabited.<br />
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</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148923257104742515.post-82534201852971295032011-10-13T09:34:00.001+06:002011-10-13T09:34:14.358+06:00Indonesia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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Indonesia’s Komodo National Park includes the three larger islands Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller ones, for a total area of 1,817 square kilometers (603 square kilometers of it land). The national park was founded in 1980 to protect the Komodo dragon. Later, it was also dedicated to protecting other species, including marine animals. The islands of the national park are of volcanic origin.<br />
Jusuf Kalla was the 10th Vice President of Indonesia from 2004 to 2009 and Chairman of the Golkar Party<br />
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Former Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla and a group of more than 70 businessmen, public figures and journalists are visiting Komodo Island today to support its candidacy in the New7Wonders of Nature.<br />
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“If Komodo Island becomes a New Seven Wonder, it will be a great boost for the island and will improve the welfare of local people,” Kalla, who has recently been appointed an ambassador for the island, told The Jakarta Post. “More and more tourists will visit the island and it will show a good image of Indonesia.”<br />
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Jusuf Kalla believes that the New7Wonders of Nature campaign is bringing “substantial benefits to the nation and lift the name of the Indonesian people.” Increasing the popularity of Komodo can only have positive impact on tourism and economy of Indonesia, especially East Nusa Tenggara, he says, adding: “And most importantly this is a good moment to bring together the spirit of the Indonesian people to victory with by sealing the wonder island of Komodo in the international community as one of the New7Wonders of the Nature.”<br />
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Indonesians simply need to type KOMODO and send it to 9818 via Telkomsel, XL and Indosat to cast their vote.<br />
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The Komodo dragon, Varanus komodoensis, is found in the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang and Gili Dasami. A member of the monitor lizard family (Varanidae), it is the largest living species of lizard, growing to a maximum of length three metres and weighing up to around 70 kilograms.<br />
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The Komodo dragon is found in the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang and Gili Dasami.<br />
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</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148923257104742515.post-51763525402741284882011-10-13T09:32:00.001+06:002011-10-13T09:32:24.788+06:00Komodo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oaQrFg7jVlyAu1g754yRQ-6yi3xR-61vQo94PTDKCRGWRA8UDEepU-9l1BfJxXTFYNm6yFJEXdph64a-kwlQnhzzQLHdpFDJ74J4xe-maxu4lWc6MOctkFds0xIT88IlrLW2hyEjuHRE/s1600/51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oaQrFg7jVlyAu1g754yRQ-6yi3xR-61vQo94PTDKCRGWRA8UDEepU-9l1BfJxXTFYNm6yFJEXdph64a-kwlQnhzzQLHdpFDJ74J4xe-maxu4lWc6MOctkFds0xIT88IlrLW2hyEjuHRE/s640/51.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Indonesia<br />
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Indonesia’s Komodo National Park includes the three larger islands Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller ones, for a total area of 1,817 square kilometers (603 square kilometers of it land). The national park was founded in 1980 to protect the Komodo dragon. Later, it was also dedicated to protecting other species, including marine animals. The islands of the national park are of volcanic origin.<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148923257104742515.post-84404914363051583602011-10-13T09:31:00.001+06:002011-10-13T09:31:10.657+06:00Kilimanjaro<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroZunh5b-XpoJj3C8p6PCIVp5ekSaQ6sq5FP2mOqbgoELadG_nZHC9f0tN2c3u5pYqJkvsF0C47HXfBG5rA4sPZe_lQG8lsaAtlZLRftSJjd0rtfXhWENkloq_tuSvauog6sdbB6w9WS8/s1600/50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroZunh5b-XpoJj3C8p6PCIVp5ekSaQ6sq5FP2mOqbgoELadG_nZHC9f0tN2c3u5pYqJkvsF0C47HXfBG5rA4sPZe_lQG8lsaAtlZLRftSJjd0rtfXhWENkloq_tuSvauog6sdbB6w9WS8/s640/50.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Tanzania<br />
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Snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most famous and highest freestanding mountains in the world, rising from the north-eastern part of Tanzania. Kilimanjaro stands at 5,895 metres (19,336 feet) high above sea level. Kilimanjaro comprises 3 volcanoes of which the most famous (and the most recent), snow-capped dormant Kibo stands at 5,895 m (19,455 ft). The mountain is situated in the Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania. The trek crosses five distinct vegetation zones, namely lower slopes, rainforest, heath and moorland, alpine and desert and the glaciers/summit. Within each zone there is an association between altitude, rainfall, temperature, plants and animals. The name Kilimanjaro, is thought to be a combination of the Swahili word Kilima, meaning “mountain,” and the Kichagga vernacular language word ’Njaro’, translated as “whiteness,” giving the name White Mountain itself.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHAT3F1x5xhBZzHwjvvrt69ee9h-duansJEZv-Hcsrr8PnkBvjtiYcnc2VAoFFqt9NqW5qaC0jr4TkTcBR0S60SVXpa7gsRVjjzsWyayv5T8_mJJiIaKC2-VZqQdjHUGbNJNBK-pnj9uL/s1600/49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHAT3F1x5xhBZzHwjvvrt69ee9h-duansJEZv-Hcsrr8PnkBvjtiYcnc2VAoFFqt9NqW5qaC0jr4TkTcBR0S60SVXpa7gsRVjjzsWyayv5T8_mJJiIaKC2-VZqQdjHUGbNJNBK-pnj9uL/s640/49.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Korea (south)<br />
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Jejudo is a volcanic island, 130 km from the southern coast of Korea. The largest island and smallest province in Korea, the island has a surface area of 1,846 sqkm. A central feature of Jeju is Hallasan, the tallest mountain in South Korea and a dormant volcano, which rises 1,950 m above sea level. 360 satellite volcanoes are around the main volcano.<br />
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</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148923257104742515.post-42008344130403121472011-10-13T09:28:00.001+06:002011-10-13T09:29:10.649+06:00Beautiful Nature<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5o2PJ5b5ZjGX-e1qwTkQofS0bJNFXyMgUlaSCNwER6II-JPPn3xcJ_DtE9sj5xi8nN5VP_Cp7K5nsqGB70m7L2y9f92LUePjw2AqT3_4UZxeqP5_J1N4VvaEOXsvZ1TV4pM6fMfBJy1L/s1600/48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5o2PJ5b5ZjGX-e1qwTkQofS0bJNFXyMgUlaSCNwER6II-JPPn3xcJ_DtE9sj5xi8nN5VP_Cp7K5nsqGB70m7L2y9f92LUePjw2AqT3_4UZxeqP5_J1N4VvaEOXsvZ1TV4pM6fMfBJy1L/s320/48.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Divers at the entrance of the newly-discovered underwater cave at Jeita Grotto. Photo: Dr.-Eng. Nasir<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148923257104742515.post-41054231839303206212011-10-13T09:26:00.003+06:002011-10-13T09:26:24.511+06:00Lebanon thrilled by new discovery at Jeita Grotto<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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BY EAMONN FITZGERALD ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2011 IN JEITA GROTTO<br />
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The discovery of a new underwater cave at Jeita Grotto is being hailed in Lebanon as a major speleological breakthrough. The entrance was first detected in early 2004, and a team of volunteer divers has since been working to clear access to the room. Joe Khoury, Joseph Sharbine and Habib Haddad have used the latest technology to investigate the cave, and create a 3D map of its waterway.<br />
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Dr. Nabil Haddad, general manager at Jeita, feels that the discovery will help Lebanon’s campaign in the New7Wonders of Nature. “It’s a wonder of nature every time you find something new,” he told the Daily Star. He believes that in the future there will be even more discoveries, and hopes that the research team will attempt to find out more about the underground network beneath the Nahr al-Kalb Valley, an important source of drinking water in Lebanon.<br />
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Haddad thinks that Jeita Grotto is well placed to become one of the New7Wonders of Nature. “We hope we have a good chance, as we are one of the 28 finalists,” he said. “But we still need a lot of support from Lebanese, both inside the country and across the diaspora, as it’s such small country.”<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148923257104742515.post-8113097214283370642011-10-13T09:26:00.001+06:002011-10-13T09:26:01.187+06:00Jeita Grotto<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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Jeita Grotto is a compound of crystallized caves in Lebanon located 20 km north of Beirut in the Valley of Nahr al-Kalb (Dog River). This grotto is made up of two limestone caves, upper galleries and a lower cave through which a 6230 m long river runs. Geologically, the caves provide a tunnel or escape route for the underground river. In this cave and galleries, the action of water in the limestone has created cathedral-like vaults full of various sizes, colors and shapes of stalactites and stalagmites, majestic curtains and fantastic rock formations. The total length of the cave is more than 9000 m and there is one among the biggest stalactites in the world hanging 8,20 m. The grotto accommodates a huge hall with a distance of 108 m from the ceiling till the water level.<br />
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</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148923257104742515.post-41761979517190222412011-10-13T09:25:00.001+06:002011-10-13T09:25:01.200+06:00Iguazu Falls<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUX2n1Vq6UFZh8-bsPUPkmO85iUk_4j2Hvg1ECfs688liNrwxN5iNdskZ1AglvSVayb1ZD0Ccqs110iPNt4DN0Rw7T8hKhRpi_CbNR3N0kY4PgtMHDMhXEX7G62dijaQwlvG8yLSNEhs2/s1600/45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUX2n1Vq6UFZh8-bsPUPkmO85iUk_4j2Hvg1ECfs688liNrwxN5iNdskZ1AglvSVayb1ZD0Ccqs110iPNt4DN0Rw7T8hKhRpi_CbNR3N0kY4PgtMHDMhXEX7G62dijaQwlvG8yLSNEhs2/s640/45.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Argentina, Brazil<br />
Iguazu Falls, in Iguazu River, are one of the world's largest waterfalls. They extend over 2,700 m (nearly 2 miles) in a semi-circular shape. Of the 275 falls that collectively make up Iguassu Falls, "Devil's Throat" is the tallest at 80 m in height. Iguazu Falls are on the border between the Brazilian state of Paraná and the Argentine province of Misiones, and are surrounded by two National Parks (BR/ARG). Both are subtropical rainforests that are host to hundreds of rare and endangered species of flora and fauna.<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148923257104742515.post-56364654607289059542011-10-12T14:53:00.001+06:002011-10-12T14:53:49.595+06:00Asian Pride: Korea and Vietnam co-operate for votes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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BY EAMONN FITZGERALD ON MAY 13, 2011 IN HALONG BAY, JEJU ISLAND<br />
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"Promote our Asian Pride! Jeju Island, Ha Long Bay!"<br />
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“Promote our Asian Pride! Jeju Island, Ha Long Bay!” That’s the joint slogan of two of the 28 Official Finalists in the New7Wonders of Nature campaign. It’s also the motto of an interactive, international platform that Korea’s Jeju Island and Vietnam’s Halong Bay have created to energize voters in both countries and around the world in the run up to 11 November, when the names of the seven winners will be announced.<br />
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With its English, Korean and Vietnamese interfaces, the tri-lingual website — “Promote our Asian Pride! Jeju Island, Ha Long Bay!” — encourages users to vote for the two candidates and highlights the respective beauty of each. After voting, participants can print the confirmation e-mail that will allow them to get free entrance tickets to the main sites in Jeju Island and Halong Bay.<br />
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Jeju is a volcanic island, 130 km off the southern coast of Korea. Its central feature is Mount Hallasan, the tallest peak in South Korea and a dormant volcano, which rises 1,950 m above sea level.<br />
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Halong Bay contains thousands of limestone islands of various sizes and shapes. Several of them are hollow, some with enormous caves, others with tiny enclosed lakes.<br />
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</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148923257104742515.post-70971519716702015322011-10-12T14:51:00.001+06:002011-10-12T14:51:28.492+06:00Vietnam and the Philippines united by nature<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBUVjliKwKDHxsIjT-r1MD8YEQ2u7gHIQVorDNEzALqS8x88T2cUaKfotapw8NIn-iJnMzgdEbnPf-2td1juhlXUxoNIay4QYx3716q0eKCqfyq6lbqRm-mCjRn64lVU-W4EczKxTBlGJ/s1600/43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBUVjliKwKDHxsIjT-r1MD8YEQ2u7gHIQVorDNEzALqS8x88T2cUaKfotapw8NIn-iJnMzgdEbnPf-2td1juhlXUxoNIay4QYx3716q0eKCqfyq6lbqRm-mCjRn64lVU-W4EczKxTBlGJ/s640/43.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
BY EAMONN FITZGERALD ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2011 IN HALONG BAY, PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER<br />
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Vietnam's Halong Bay consists of more than 3,000 limestone islands rising spectacularly from the ocean<br />
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The Philippines and Vietnam have agreed to support each other in the New7Wonders of Nature campaign. The decision was reached at the East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Forum (Eatof) standing committee meeting yesterday in Cebu City.<br />
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The commitment to support the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River in the Philippines and Vietnam’s Halong Bay was part of the joint declaration of the Eatof, which was presented at the Cebu International Convention Center.<br />
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Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, who presided over the meeting, said it does not matter how the two destinations will be ranked, provided they gain enough support to be included in the New7Wonders of Nature.<br />
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Eatof seeks to promote tourism in 12 Asian provinces, including Cebu and Quang Ninh Province in Vietnam, where Halong Bay is located. Vu Thi Thu Thuy, vice chairperson of the Provincial People’s Committee in Vietnam, said there is no contest between Halong and the Subterranean River as Eatof will support both.<br />
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“It’s a win-win game for the strength of Eatof,” Thuy said.<br />
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The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River winds through a cave before flowing into the South China Sea<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148923257104742515.post-35914942645513442032011-10-12T14:49:00.001+06:002011-10-12T14:49:24.161+06:00delegation visits Vietnam<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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BY EAMONN FITZGERALD ON OCTOBER 1, 2011 IN HALONG BAY<br />
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New7Wonders Founder and President Bernard Weber speaks to journalists in Vietnam during his recent visit<br />
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The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is represented in the New7Wonders of Nature by Halong Bay, which was recently the scene of an official visit by New7Wonders President Bernard Weber and Director Jean Paul De la Fuente.<br />
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The delegation was welcomed by HE The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Hoang Tuan Anh, in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, and the visit included a helicopter trip to Halong Bay, as well as ceremonies during an overnight cruise of the bay itself.<br />
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HE Pham Minh Chinh, Communist Party Committee Secretary of the Province of Quáng Ninh, home of Halong Bay, hosted a reception, followed by a working session with provincial leaders as well as members of the Halong Bay N7W Official Supporting Committee.<br />
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“This is a very special place,” Bernard Weber told the Vietnamese press. “The beauty of Halong Bay is unique and quite unlike anything else the in the world.”<br />
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“The official national and provincial authorities are committed to enabling the people of Vietnam to vote in the New7Wonders of Nature campaign, including via a nationwide SMS service” the Vietnamese government said. It added that it will continue its investment in the tourism infrastructure while at the same time taking measures to protect the environment of Halong Bay.<br />
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In addition to various meetings and cultural celebrations hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the New7Wonders delegation visited the Temple of Literature and the Ho Chi Minh Museum, and conducted a Q&A exchange with students from the Hanoi University of Culture.<br />
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