Global recognition

As the end of the year approaches, National Geographic Polska monthly is offering travelers a chance to participate in the second edition of its "Travelery" (Travelers) contest. During the first edition of the competition, held last year, world travelers, explorers and scientists were awarded following categories: Grand Prix (for general achievement); Scientific Discovery of the Year; Expedition of the Year; and Social Initiative of the Year.

"We are happy to recognize those devoted scientists and travelers who help us expand the boundaries of the world with their hard work," commented Martyna Wojciechowska, editor-in-chief of National Geographic Polska.

According to the rules of the competition, candidates for each award are submitted online by readers, and contenders for the final stage are then chosen by a specially selected jury. The winners are ultimately chosen by readers via SMS. In 2006, professor Zofia Kielan-Jaworska of the Polish Academy of Sciences' Institute of Paleobiology received the Grand Prix award for her discoveries in the Gobi desert, while journalist Adam Wajrak was awarded for his initiatives against the construction of a controversial highway in Poland's Rospuda Valley.

The Travelery 2007 competition will also feature a zł.10,000 grant in the new "Ticket for the Future" category, which is meant for young travelers and scientists. "Any participant can try to convince the jury that his project is worthy of the grant and get a chance to conduct a research or travel abroad," said National Geographic Polska's spokesperson, Magdalena Swoboda. The jury will also choose the winner of the "Journey of the lifetime" award which will go to the reader who submits the best article on travel. The winners of Travelery 2007 will be officially announced during an awards gala on December 3.

For more information log on to www.nationalgeographic.pl