The Isla del Coco, Costa Rica’s mysterious Pacific island territory more than 300 miles from the main land, is currently ranked 3rd out of some 300 candidates vying to become one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, a competition sponsored by UNESCO.

Costa Rica News — Isla del Coco is Costa Rica’s claim to fame

If the destination is able to maintain a spot in the top 7 through the extensive voting process, it could attract hundreds of new tourists, donations and new research projects to uncover the secrets of the unique wildlife in and around the under-funded island.

The tiny, 23.85 kilometer squared Isla del Coco houses over 1,000 species of animals, plant and marine life, many of which do not exist anywhere else in the world.  It is an important stop along migratory paths of endangered animals suchs as dolphins, turtles, whales and sharks. The island is also considered an important historical site as graffiti left by pirates has been found along the shores, and rumors of buried treasure abound.

Last year, the island was also named one of the seven wonders of Costa Rica by the national daily newspaper La Nacion.

The voting for the top 77 nominees will continue for another 11 months, through Dec. 31, 2008. At that point, a panel of experts will choose 21 finalists from the top 77 candidates. The top 21 nominees with then be put to popular vote for another year, and the winners will be announced in the middle of 2010 in a big celebration similar to the unveiling of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007.

The winners for this category were chosen by over 100 million voters all over the world in a similar process. The entire process and declaration ceremony, which took place in Lisbon, Portugal, brought in loads of positive press for being the first ever global democratic venture. Celebrities from all over the world took part in the event, including Hilary Swank and Jennifer Lopez, that was broadcast around the world.

To take part in the initial voting process for the New 7 Wonders of Nature, you can visit www.new7wonders.com to choose your top seven nominations.

Picture courtesy of new7wonders.com.

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Filed under: Costa Rica News on February 4th, 2008