The New 7 Wonders Foundation, headed by the Swiss-born Canadian Bernard Weber, will continue receiving votes for the New 7 Wonders of Nature until December 31, 2008.

Costa Rica’s own Coco Island is listed as a nominee and currently holds the number 11 rank worldwide.  The voting procedure has 4 stages.  The campaign is still at its first stage which is voting for your preferred location from the list displayed at the www.new7wonders.com website.  This stage will continue until December 31, 2008.

Then, a panel of experts will consider the top voted nominees for what they call a finalist shortlisting.  This shortlist will announce a total of 21 candidates in January, 2009.  The voting for these final 21 candidates will then continue throughout 2009 and early 2010.  The Foundation will then announce the New 7 Wonders of Nature in the summer of 2010.

Coco Island is one of Costa Rica’s most precious natural gems.  The Coco Island was named part of the Natural Humanity Patrimony in 1997 and was included in Ramsar’s list of Wetland’s of International Importance in 1999.  The island is approximately 9.2 mi2 and with a protected marine ecosystem which holds one of the region’s most important hammerhead shark population among others.

By becoming on of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, Costa Rica’s Coco Island could attract hundreds of tourists, researchers and donations to preserve this natural jewel.

Vote for Coco Island by going to http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/index/ , click on the map on South America and browse through the list to vote.