From vast natural ecosystems to living cultural traditions passed down through generations, heritage represents a shared legacy that links humanity across time. Preserving it is no longer merely a cultural responsibility, but a global imperative—one that demands scientific knowledge, institutional commitment and a deep respect for the fragile balance between conservation and progress.
Against this backdrop, the Fundación DIARIO DE AVISOS, in collaboration with UNESCO, will hold the fifth edition of the Terra Awards on 23 April 2026. The ceremony will take place at the iconic Teatro Leal, transforming the historic city into an international meeting point for those committed to the defence and promotion of natural and cultural heritage.
An international recognition of conservation leadership
The Terra Awards have established themselves as a benchmark in recognising outstanding contributions to the protection and sustainable management of heritage. Each edition highlights both emblematic UNESCO-linked sites and individuals whose work has had a lasting global impact.
The 2026 awards bring together an exceptional group of honourees:
- The Great Barrier Reef (Australia)
- Machu Picchu (Peru)
- The Historic Centre and Old Bridge of Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- Mariachi (Mexico), as intangible cultural heritage
- Miguel Delibes de Castro (Spain)
International delegations representing each of these destinations will attend the gala, alongside a broad diplomatic presence in Spain. The event also counts on the institutional support of the San Cristóbal de La Laguna City Council and the Spanish Ministry of Culture.
The Great Barrier Reef: a global symbol of environmental urgency
Stretching over 2,300 kilometres along Australia’s northeast coast, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on Earth and one of the planet’s richest ecosystems. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, it represents not only extraordinary biodiversity but also a critical barometer of climate change.
Facing threats such as rising ocean temperatures, acidification and extreme weather events, the reef has become a focal point for global scientific research. Large-scale monitoring systems, restoration initiatives and innovative conservation strategies place it at the forefront of efforts to safeguard marine ecosystems.
Today, it stands as both a natural wonder and a powerful symbol of the urgent need to protect the planet’s environmental balance.
Machu Picchu: balancing global access with preservation
Perched high in the Andes, Machu Picchu embodies the engineering mastery and spiritual vision of the Inca civilisation. Built in the 15th century and rediscovered in 1911, this iconic site has become one of the most visited heritage destinations in the world.
Its recognition by UNESCO in 1983 highlighted both its historical significance and the challenges of preserving it. Today, strict visitor management systems, controlled access routes and coordinated conservation strategies ensure that tourism does not compromise its integrity.
Machu Picchu has thus become a global model for sustainable heritage management, demonstrating that it is possible to open cultural treasures to the world while preserving their essence.
Miguel Delibes de Castro: a lifetime dedicated to biodiversity
The Terra Award for Excellence in Heritage Protection recognises the career of Miguel Delibes de Castro, one of Spain’s most influential figures in ecological science.
A biologist at the Spanish National Research Council and former director of the Doñana Biological Station, Delibes de Castro has devoted his career to the study and preservation of biodiversity. His work has been instrumental in the protection of emblematic species such as the Iberian lynx and in raising public awareness about environmental challenges.
Beyond his scientific contributions, his writings and outreach efforts have placed issues such as biodiversity loss and ecological sustainability at the centre of public discourse, reinforcing the role of science as a driver of social change.
Mostar: rebuilding memory and identity after destruction
Few places illustrate the resilience of heritage as powerfully as Mostar. The iconic Stari Most, built in the 16th century, once symbolised coexistence between cultures, religions and traditions.
Its destruction during the Balkan conflict in 1993 marked a profound cultural loss. However, its reconstruction—completed in 2004 using original materials recovered from the river—became a landmark example of international cooperation and heritage restoration.
Today, the Historic Centre and Old Bridge of Mostar stand not only as a UNESCO-listed site but as a testament to the ability of heritage to restore identity, memory and hope after devastation.
Mariachi: a living expression of cultural identity
The Terra Award for Intangible Cultural Heritage honours mariachi, one of Mexico’s most recognisable cultural expressions. Deeply rooted in tradition, mariachi music has accompanied generations through celebrations, rituals and everyday life.
Its distinctive sound—created by violins, trumpets, the guitarrón and the vihuela—is inseparable from the visual identity of the charro costume. Recognised by UNESCO in 2011, mariachi continues to be passed down from generation to generation, preserving its authenticity while resonating on global stages.
More than music, it represents a living cultural language that expresses identity, emotion and collective memory.
La Laguna, a meeting point for global heritage
By hosting the Terra Awards, San Cristóbal de La Laguna reinforces its role as a city deeply connected to heritage and cultural dialogue. The event brings together voices from across the world, united by a shared commitment: to protect what defines us as humanity.
In a time marked by environmental challenges and cultural transformation, the Terra Awards serve as both recognition and reminder—that safeguarding heritage is not only about preserving the past, but about shaping a sustainable future for generations to come.
