Great Barrier Reef facing disqualification from Seven Wonders list

The Great Barrier Reef's campaign to become one of the new 'New7Wonders of Nature' has hit a potentially crippling snag.

The reef is currently leading its category (Seascapes) on the official n7w voting site, easily out-polling rivals Ha Long Bay and Cox’s Bazaar Beach.

But the reef’s dual-national status – it is partly in Papua New Guinean territory – is putting its otherwise smooth ride onto the list in jeopardy.

To qualify for the title, a landmark must have an Official Supporting Committee - a relatively straight-forward process requiring a small amount of official formwork.

But the rules stipulate that if a site straddles more than one nation-state, all nations involved must have an OSC established.

With Papua New Guinea yet to establish a Committee, Australia may be left without an entry on the list.

But the n7w has defended its system and urged PNG to act.

“It is important for the fast-paced and powerful global campaign that each nominee has an OSC in each country to communicate and work with New7Wonders,” said a spokesperson.

“Best results are achieved when New7Wonders can work closely with local representatives.”

The Amazon Rainforest is also at risk of being disqualified because not all of the South American nations it occupies have entered an OSC.

Australia’s other big hope, Uluru, is currently polling fourth in the Caves, Rock Formations, Valleys category, behind Davolja Varos, the Grand Canyon, and Belogradchik Rocks.

credited to livenews.com.au