The Swiss-based New7Wonders Foundation was established in 2001 by me to contribute to the protection of the world‚ human-built and natural heritage and to foster respect for our planet’s diversity. New7Wonders is funded entirely by licensing and commercial partnerships with companies, TV rightsholders, event organizers, and through interactive revenue shares. New7Wonders does not draw any funds from public, government or taxpayer subsidies. In fact, the reverse is the case: through its positive global platform, New7Wonders has so far generated more than US$ 5 billion worth of economic, tourism and national promotional value for locations participating in its campaigns. New7Wonders is a major, global-scale proof of a business concept based on mass virtual online dynamics creating concrete economic positive outcomes in the real world.
New7Wonders has pledged to dedicate 50% of its surplus net revenues to the main New7Wonders Foundation cause: the promotion of Global Memory, specifically the documentation and 3D virtual recording of all New7Wonders. Out of its own funds, the New7Wonders Foundation already financed the 3D virtual model of the giant Bamiyan Buddas in Afghanistan, as an example of the type of project it plans to support. This New7Wonders Foundation project was featured in the Swiss Pavilion at the 2005 World Fair in Aichi, Japan, along with New7Wonders ballot boxes. Amongst all other global media and voting-driven initiatives (e.g. TV formats and singing contests), New7Wonders is unique in its pledge to dedicate a significant portion of its net revenues to Foundation causes.