13:30 | Lima, Jul. 08 (ANDINA).
People in the southern Peruvian region of Arequipa wait with eager expectation for the results of the second phase of the New 7 Wonders of Nature campaign, an online voting competition in which their Colca Canyon participates.
In other regions of the country, there is also great expectation that Lake Titicaca and Amazon Rainforest/River will be among the top 77 nominees.
Shortly before the completion of the first phase, Lake Titicaca was leading Group F (lakes, rivers and waterfalls) and Amazon River and Rainforest ranked first in Group E (forests, national parks and nature reserves).
Meanwhile, Colca Canyon in Arequipa was second in Group D, which includes caves, rock formations and valleys.
Since 7 July midnight dateline all voting is on hold, as the results of the second phase are calculated and verified. The top 77 voted nominees, on a category group basis, will be considered by the N7W Panel of Experts for finalist shortlisting.
The Shortlist of the selected 28 candidates will be announced on 21 July 2009, and will go forward to the Official Finalists stage of voting.
Voting for the New 7 Wonders of Nature, as choosen by popular vote from the 28 finalist candidates,will continue throughout 2010 and into 2011. The final declaration of the New7Wonders of Nature will be in 2011.
Arequipa authority Jorge Cueva was confident that Colca Canyon will make it to the final stage because it meets all requirements set by the organizers.
(END) RMC/AVC/LVT
Published: 7/8/2009