The historic city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna is once again preparing to shine on the international stage as the venue for the second edition of the prestigious Terra Awards. The DIARIO DE AVISOS Foundation, in close collaboration with UNESCO, promotes the presentation of these annual awards, which aim to recognise the most exceptional work done to preserve and enrich the sites declared World Heritage by UNESCO.
The purpose of these awards is to highlight and recognise the exceptional impact of these initiatives and projects on our environment, culture, economy and quality of life. The Terra Awards aim to promote the role of World Heritage as an essential pillar for building and consolidating a prosperous and sustainable society.
In this exciting second edition, the Terra Awards jury has selected the following winners: Yosemite National Park (California, USA), the historic centre of Florence (Italy), the monumental complex of the Alhambra and the Generalife (Granada, Spain), Iguazú National Park (Misiones, Argentina) and Silbo Gomero (La Gomera, Spain).
These heritage sites have contributed significantly to the development and protection of natural and cultural assets through their efforts in innovation, sustainability and collaboration, and have inspired people and organisations around the world. The Terra Awards ceremony will take place at the iconic Teatro Leal in San Cristóbal de La Laguna on 27 April at 18:30. This special event will feature the virtuoso piano duo Morimoto Sisters, made up of Satomi and Emiko Morimoto, two internationally renowned sisters of Japanese descent, who stand out for their exceptional talent and versatility.
TERRA INITIATIVE FOR NEW CHALLENGES: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK (U.S.A.)
Yosemite National Park, one of the most iconic and visited natural spaces in the United States, is located in the imposing Sierra Nevada in California. Covering more than 3,000 square kilometres, the park is a sanctuary of natural and cultural richness created over millions of years of history.
Yosemite is a true haven for wildlife, where the power of nature manifests itself in deep valleys, giant redwoods, spectacular waterfalls, lush forests and mighty glaciers. This breathtaking landscape is home to a globally unique diversity of flora and fauna.
However, this extraordinary natural world heritage site, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, faces numerous challenges that threaten its integrity and preservation. The effects of climate change, the constant threat of devastating fires, the impact of mass tourism and the fragility of the unique ecosystem threaten the survival of one of the most fascinating areas on earth.
In the face of these adversities, the extraordinary efforts and initiative in conservation, restoration, protection and research of the park are a true testimony of resilience and struggle. These collective actions reflect a commitment to preserve the beauty and diversity of Yosemite and safeguard its immeasurable heritage.
TERRA INNOVATION AWARD: HISTORICAL CENTRE OF FLORENCE (ITALY)
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, the historic centre of Florence is a living heritage that reflects the grandeur and rich history that has influenced Western civilisation over the centuries.
Known as the cradle of the Renaissance, Florence has been home to outstanding artists, scientists and thinkers whose contributions have had a lasting impact on human history. As you walk the winding cobbled streets, you enter an environment where centuries of culture and history have interwoven, a heritage that transcends borders and continues to inspire generations around the world.
Florence, with its extensive cultural heritage, reminds us of the magnificence of the human spirit and the capacity of creativity to transform our environment. Today, this is reflected in the implementation of innovative restoration and conservation projects using state-of-the-art technologies, sustainable approaches and multidisciplinary collaborations.
The commitment and initiative to protect and revitalise its priceless heritage is testimony to an extraordinary ability to combine the ancient and the modern. Florence has managed to respect its historical roots while adapting to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. It is also adapting to the challenges of the 21st century. In this way, the city consolidates itself as an exceptional example of cultural preservation and development in harmony with the demands and needs of our time.
TERRA TOURISM INITIATIVE AWARD: MONUMENTAL COMPLEX OF THE ALHAMBRA AND THE GENERALIFE (SPAIN)
Granada is home to one of the most fascinating cultural monuments in the world. It is witness to centuries of upheaval and revolution, but also the scene of periods of flourishing development and cultural convergence.
The monuments of the Alhambra and the Generalife, declared World Heritage Sites in 1984, were built on a strategically located site whose first settlements date back to Roman times.
Under the rule of the Nasrid kings, in the first half of the 13th century, the impressive Andalusian heritage that today captivates millions of visitors blossomed. The splendour and majesty of its palaces, walls, fortifications and gardens, adorned with astonishing decoration of incomparable beauty, form a unique example of architectural solidity and refined art, skilfully integrated into the surroundings.
A visit to the former royal residence of the last Hispano-Muslim dynasty is like a journey back in time. This is due in large part to the extraordinary work, dedication and ingenuity that goes into balancing the preservation of the building with the development of original initiatives to promote its use and visitation.
The promotion and care of this spectacular heritage strengthens the link between the past and the present and allows us to continue to admire the richness and diversity hidden behind its imposing walls.
TERRA LAGUNA CITY CONSERVATION AWARD: IGUAZÚ NATIONAL PARK (ARGENTINA)
In the heart of the Paranaense rainforest lies one of the most emblematic destinations in Latin America and the world: the majestic Iguazú National Park. Located in the Argentinean province of Misiones, the park is home to the world-famous Iguazú Falls, one of the most amazing natural wonders in the world.
Once home to several indigenous communities, this unique enclave is now home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. Many of these species are endemic and some are endangered, but all find a haven in this paradise where they can co-exist in harmony.
This iconic area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 and is a symbol of biodiversity conservation and natural beauty. The Park’s exceptional conservation work, the result of numerous research and protection projects, has made it possible to preserve the richness of this region and promote its sustainable development.
Thanks to these joint efforts, we can now contemplate an exemplary natural and cultural heritage, both for present and future generations. Visiting the Iguazú National Park is a constant reminder of the importance of protecting and appreciating our environment, and of the deep connection between people and the magnificence of nature.
TERRA AWARD FOR INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF HUMANITY: SILBO GOMERO (THE CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN)
La Gomera, an island of majestic and exuberant beauty, is home to a precious and unique treasure that over time has become a mark of identity for the entire archipelago.
This treasure comes in the form of one of the few whistled languages that exist in the world: the Silbo Gomero. Today, this language resounds with new vitality, breaking through the silence of the deep ravines and high mountains, creating a solid and invisible link between our modern present and the culture of the indigenous people, who have known how to overcome the complicated geography of La Gomera with the help of sounds.
The Silbo Gomero is an amazing manifestation of human ingenuity and creativity in adapting to the environment. Its existence is deeply rooted in the island’s population, resisting oblivion and the inexorable advance of modern means of communication.
The preservation of this ancestral language and its promotion and study have enabled new generations to grow up with this unique tradition. These efforts were recognised by UNESCO in 2009, which declared it an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The commitment to keep the Silbo Gomero alive is a testimony to the respect and appreciation of cultural traditions and an example of how it is possible to preserve the heritage of our ancestors for future generations.
