The prestigious Terra Awards, now in their fourth edition, were held on Thursday at the historic Leal Theatre in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, recognising exceptional efforts in the preservation and enhancement of World Heritage Sites. The event is organised by the DIARIO DE AVISOS Foundation in collaboration with UNESCO.
La Laguna became the epicentre of global heritage on Thursday evening, as it hosted the 2025 Terra Awards ceremony in the emblematic Leal Theatre. Organised by the DIARIO DE AVISOS Foundation in partnership with UNESCO, the awards aim to honour outstanding contributions to the protection, innovation, and sustainable development of UNESCO World Heritage Sites worldwide.
Established in 2022, the Terra Awards celebrate projects and individuals whose work exemplifies innovation, cultural value, and dedication to safeguarding humanity’s shared natural and cultural legacies. This year’s awards were presented to five recipients from around the globe:
- The Historic Centre of Bruges (Belgium)
- The Camino de Santiago (Spain)
- The Great Wall of China (China)
- Flamenco (Spain)
- Céline Cousteau (USA), documentary filmmaker and environmental activist
As the only city in the Canary Islands with UNESCO World Heritage status, La Laguna once again provided a fitting backdrop for the ceremony, drawing a distinguished audience that included institutional representatives and cultural figures. Among those in attendance were the Mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez; members of the municipal council; the Deputy Minister of Communication for the Canary Islands Government, Jonathan Domínguez; the Rector of the University of La Laguna, Francisco García; and the Councillor for Culture of the Tenerife Cabildo, José Carlos Acha. Also present were Lucas Fernández, President of the Plató del Atlántico Group and the DIARIO DE AVISOS Foundation.
The gala was enriched by musical performances that added a celebratory atmosphere to the occasion. Spanish guitarist Marco del Castillo was joined by vocalist Candelaria González, percussionist Javier Rodríguez, and flamenco dancer Genaro Arteaga, with additional accompaniment by the flamenco ensemble Calle Viana.
The Terra Awards are made possible with the support of a range of public and private institutions, including the City Council of La Laguna, the Spanish Ministry of Culture, the Government of the Canary Islands, Limpiezas Apeles, Grupo Jesumán, Canarias.com, ASSAP, and ExpoMedia.
An Evening of Reflections on Heritage and Responsibility
The event was hosted by Airam Fernández, presenter of Buenos Días Canarias on Atlántico Radio, who guided the ceremony through a series of heartfelt speeches and award presentations. The themes of collaboration, historical memory, and environmental responsibility were prominent throughout the evening.
Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez inaugurated the ceremony by presenting the Terra City of La Laguna Award for Conservation to the Great Wall of China. The award was received by Wenyan Liu, Deputy Director of the National Institute for the Protection of Cultural Parks. Liu expressed deep gratitude, stating, “This honour belongs not only to China but also to all international partners who have contributed to the preservation of humanity’s collective memory. Like the Great Wall, which stands not as a barrier but a bridge, we hope to build an alliance for safeguarding civilisation.”
The Terra Award for Excellence in Heritage Protection was presented to Céline Cousteau, environmentalist and filmmaker continuing the legacy of her grandfather, Jacques Cousteau. Presented by Francisca González Santana, Director of RTVE in the Canary Islands, Cousteau received one of the evening’s warmest ovations. In her speech, she underscored the power of individual action: “Each of us is a storyteller. We must make room for others’ voices and commit to passing on a healthy planet to future generations. This award belongs to all of us—it symbolises inspiration, potential, and shared responsibility.”
Next, the Terra Award for Intangible Cultural Heritage was awarded to Flamenco, recognised as a vital expression of Spanish cultural identity. The award was presented by Japanese pianist and composer Satomi Morimoto, and received by Cristóbal Ortega Martos, Director of the Andalusian Institute of Flamenco. “UNESCO’s recognition of Flamenco 15 years ago was a call to continue championing this art,” Ortega said. “This award reaffirms our commitment to promoting a tradition that resonates globally.”
The Terra Award for Tourism Initiative was then presented to the Camino de Santiago, a centuries-old pilgrimage route. The award was received by José Manuel Merelles Remy, Director of the Galician Tourism Agency, and presented by María Victoria López Fuentes, Vice-President of Ashotel. Merelles remarked, “With over a millennium of history, the Camino continues to uphold values of solidarity, hospitality and human connection. We hope this recognition inspires more people to walk its paths.”
Priscila González, Project Director of the DIARIO DE AVISOS Foundation, took to the stage to commend La Laguna as the ideal setting for the Terra Awards. She emphasised the importance of innovative and sustainable approaches to emerging global challenges, stating, “World heritage is a cornerstone for building a more compassionate, equitable, and forward-looking society.”
The final award of the evening, the Terra Award for Emerging Challenges, was presented to the Historic Centre of Bruges (Belgium). The award was delivered by Migdalia Machín Tavío, Regional Minister for Universities, Science, Innovation and Culture of the Canary Islands Government, and received by Mathijs Goderis, Deputy Mayor of Bruges and Councillor for Urban Planning and Heritage, alongside Didier Nagant de Deuxchaisnes, Belgian Ambassador to Spain. Goderis highlighted the enduring historical ties between Bruges, Spain, and the Canary Islands: “Preserving Bruges means caring for a living, breathing city—not a museum. It is a responsibility and a privilege.”
A Night of Music and Hope
The evening concluded with a final musical tribute: Marco del Castillo, accompanied once again by González and Rodríguez, performed Color Esperanza by Diego Torres—a fitting end to a night dedicated to unity, cultural pride, and the hopeful preservation of our global heritage.
