Competition Summary
From Mont Saint Michel in France to Australia's Great Barrier Reef, nature and humanity have provided some of the most remarkable contributions to our global heritage. To preserve these wonders, UNESCO has to date inscribed 890 World Heritage properties in 148 countries on the World Heritage List — sites regarded as having outstanding universal value, yet many of them are in danger of ruin. War, human encroachment, pollution and natural disasters continue to threaten their survival. But your innovations can help them stand the test of time.
IMAGINE you are the Minister of Tourism responsible for one of the World Heritage sites. What green technologies — real and futuristic — do you need to protect and preserve your site for future generations? What kinds of conservation projects can you dream up to keep one or all of these destinations intact forever?
JOIN US in this international challenge to seek the best green solutions to preserve World Heritage sites. We hope to discover new technologies and approaches, from green energy to sustainable materials that protect, sustain, and enhance the unique characteristics of these cherished locations.
ENTER NOW and tell us how green technologies can help conserve these cultural treasures now and in the future.
THE WINNERS will be selected by Condé Nast Traveler’s editorial staff and highlighted in the January 2010 issue of Condé Nast Traveler.
Welcome Letter
WHAT’S THE CHALLENGE? Green technology has the power to shape our future, and the ability to give new life to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites, both natural and cultural. This competition is about discovering the most creative solutions that use green technologies—real and futuristic—to sustainably preserve the historical, cultural, and environmental value of World Heritage sites for future generations.
DO YOU have a green solution or idea that can protect one or many World Heritage sites from the ravages of war, pollution, unchecked development, or natural disasters? You can contribute to the preservation of our global heritage by crafting imaginative solutions that will have an impact on our future.
WE HOPE you will share your ideas with us.
Eligibility and Criteria
I. Eligibility and Judging Criteria
A. Eligibility
The challenge is open to individuals, organizations, and companies. We will consider all entries that:
- Reflect the theme of the challenge: We are searching for innovative solutions that use green technologies to preserve UNESCO's World Heritage sites.
- Are at the idea or early implementation stage: We are looking for new ideas or early stage projects in development. These may be new ideas or new projects from new or long-established organizations or companies.
- Complete the entry form: Entries must be fully completed and submitted before the deadline of September 29, 2009.
- Are submitted in English.
B. Assessment Criteria
Innovation: Is this idea or project innovative? Does it describe an original, green solution that helps preserve World Heritage sites now and in the future? This is the knock-out test. The innovation should be distinct from existing projects or initiatives in the field. The best projects will demonstrate a unique model of change by which individuals and companies are empowered to create healthier and more sustainable communities that benefit their citizens and the environment. As this is a global challenge, we are looking for ideas that could be universally applicable.
Social Impact: What is the social impact of this idea or project? How does it help protect World Heritage sites for future generations? Does it influence public policy or popular opinion? The best ideas will engage individuals as well as demonstrate a positive impact on the local community or society at large. We are looking for ideas that influence or lead to systemic change.
Sustainability: Could this idea be implemented and, ultimately, sustained? To achieve lasting impact, an innovation needs to be financially and environmentally sustainable. While entrants will not be expected to launch their ideas, we are looking for practical, concrete solutions that have potential to be implemented. The best ideas would also have potential to be replicated so that they could have far-reaching impact.
II. Winners
The winners will be highlighted in the January 2010 issue of Condé Nast Traveler Magazine.
III. Challenge Deadlines, Procedures, and Rules
Here’s how the Challenge will work:
- Entry Stage, August 20 - September 29, 2009: Entries can be submitted until September 29, 2009, 5:00 p.m. US Eastern Standard Time. Entries may be submitted by individuals, organizations or companies. Everyone is also encouraged to nominate entrants, add comments, and participate in the online review discussion with the entrants. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to submit ideas early as early entrants may receive more comments, questions, and insights from the Changemakers community, which can be used to improve (and resubmit) their entries before the deadline.
- Winners Announced, October 14, 2009: The winners will be selected by Condé Nast Traveler’s editorial staff and announced on October 14, 2009. They will be highlighted in the January 2010 issue of Condé Nast Traveler
Everyone who enters the challenge will receive increased exposure to the Changemakers community as well as to others who are interested in travel, green technologies and preserving our natural and cultural heritage.
Ashoka’s Changemakers Disclaimer - Compliance with Legal Regulations
Ashoka complies fully with all U.S. laws and regulations, including the Office of Foreign Assets Control’s regulations, export control, and anti-money laundering laws. All grants will be awarded subject to compliance with such laws. Ashoka will not make any grant if it finds that to do so would be unlawful. This may prohibit awards in certain countries and/or to certain individuals or entities. All recipients will comply with these laws to the extent they are applicable to such recipients. No recipient will take any action that would cause Ashoka to violate any laws. Additionally, Ashoka will not make any grant to a company involved in the promotion of tobacco use.
