The city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna once again positioned itself at the heart of the international cultural agenda last Thursday, hosting the fifth edition of the Terra Awards—an initiative promoted since 2022 by the Fundación Diario de Avisos. The ceremony took place at the historic Teatro Leal, reaffirming the city’s status as a global meeting point for heritage, dialogue and sustainability. As the only UNESCO World Heritage city in the Canary Islands, La Laguna once again provided a symbolic and fitting setting for an event that continues to grow in international relevance.
The Terra Awards recognise projects, institutions and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the conservation and protection of both natural and cultural heritage. In its 2026 edition, the event went beyond recognition, becoming a global call to action—urging collective responsibility in the face of the environmental and social challenges threatening heritage worldwide.
An opening message rooted in identity and responsibility
Following the official welcome, the ceremony opened with an address by Badel Albelo, who described the host city as “a place born to bring people together, a space for coexistence and a territory where memory and the future engage in dialogue every day.”
He emphasised that being a World Heritage city entails both responsibility and vision: safeguarding a shared legacy while projecting it into the future through innovation. He also underlined the broader significance of the awards, noting that the work of the honourees “inspires, guides and reminds us that protecting heritage is, ultimately, protecting life, memory and hope.”
Mostar: a symbol of reconstruction and coexistence
The first award of the evening, the Terra City of La Laguna Conservation Award, was presented to the Historic Centre and Old Bridge of Mostar. This 16th-century bridge, destroyed during the Bosnian War and rebuilt in 2004, stands today as a powerful symbol of resilience and reconciliation.
Accepting the award, Mario Kordić highlighted its deeper meaning:
“The Old Bridge and the historic centre of Mostar are not only a symbol of architectural beauty, but also a clear sign of renewal, hope and connection between people. After its destruction, Mostar proved that it is possible to rebuild not only bridges of stone, but also bridges between people.”
The emotional resonance of this recognition was reinforced by Julio Salom Herrera, who recalled the presence of Spanish troops during the Bosnian War and the symbolic loss represented by the collapse of the bridge, describing it as “a part of our soul.”
Mariachi: living heritage and cultural identity
The Terra Award for Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity was awarded to Mariachi, recognising its enduring cultural significance and its role as a living expression of identity.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Mexican Cultural Institute in Spain, Sebastián Pelayo emphasised the essence of mariachi as more than music:
“Mariachi is not just music; it is living history, a tradition that is passed down, emotion that is sung.”
The performance by Mariachi Mencey Azteca brought this recognition to life on stage, offering the audience a vivid demonstration of the emotional and cultural power of this tradition.
Great Barrier Reef: a global environmental warning
The Terra Award for the Initiative on Emerging Challenges was presented to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the most valuable marine ecosystems on the planet.
Accepting the award, Rosemary Morris-Castico highlighted the shared connection between regions:
“Australia and the Canary Islands share a deep love and respect for the sea, which gives life, connects people and holds a unique biodiversity that we must protect.”
She also underscored the urgency of global action, warning that climate change remains the greatest threat to coral reefs worldwide and requires coordinated international responses.
A collective message: heritage requires commitment
In one of the most reflective moments of the evening, Priscila González delivered a message that captured the essence of the awards:
“Heritage does not defend itself. It requires knowledge, commitment and, above all, a shared awareness of its value.”
She emphasised that protecting heritage is not only a cultural responsibility but also a way of understanding and engaging with the world in times of global uncertainty.
Miguel Delibes de Castro: a voice for nature
The award for Excellence in Heritage Protection went to Miguel Delibes de Castro, one of Spain’s leading figures in biodiversity conservation.
In his speech, he highlighted the fundamental importance of natural heritage:
“Natural heritage is the source of all other forms of heritage. Without nature, we would not exist.”
He also delivered a clear warning:
“No individual, no country, and no power can preserve heritage alone. The challenges we face are global, and they must be solved together.”
His intervention stood out as one of the most impactful moments of the evening, reinforcing the urgency of environmental protection.
Machu Picchu: a model for sustainable management
The final award of the night, for Sustainable Heritage Management, was presented to Machu Picchu, a global benchmark for balancing conservation and tourism.
Accepting the award, Denis Iván Falconí Jiménez highlighted the shared responsibility behind heritage management:
“Heritage is an asset that transcends borders and demands increasingly committed management.”
He stressed that the greatest challenge lies in maintaining equilibrium between access, conservation and development, requiring long-term vision, cooperation and informed decision-making.
A closing that celebrates culture and unity
The ceremony concluded with a vibrant final performance by Mariachi Mencey Azteca, who returned to the stage to perform iconic songs such as El Rey, El Jarabe Tapatío and Tequila, bringing the audience to its feet and closing the evening on a high note.
A global call to action
The Terra Awards 2026 once again demonstrated that heritage is far more than a legacy of the past—it is a shared responsibility that shapes the future. Through the voices and experiences of its awardees, the event delivered a clear and powerful message: protecting heritage means protecting the planet, and that responsibility belongs to everyone.
