NEW YORK, Dec. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dominican Republic has joined the group of countries participating in the prestigious international beauty contest with the addition of "Miss Dominican Nature" and will also participate in the "International Tourism Film Festival". The announcement was made by Dr. Garis Silega, president of the organization that will stage both events in New York City from December 4-7, 2013.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121218/NY31662 )

The winner of the Miss Nature crown will be the international ambassador in environmental protection campaigns at a time when the destruction of the ecosystem threatens the entire planet, the house of humanity. Miss Nature International will also have the important task of raising funds for all programs concerning the preservation of the ecosystem, a job which, as international ambassador of nature and tourism, goes hand in hand with the promotion of tourism zones.

Dr. Silega also announced the appointment of journalist and editor-in-chief of El Sol Dominicano, Hipolito Vega, as director of "Miss Nature International" and president of the "International Tourism Film Festival" in the Dominican Republic.

He went on to explain that candidates should be single, between 18 and 26 years of age, at least 5' 5" in height, sociable, physically fit and with special knowledge of the culture or tourism area they represent.

Dr. Silega, also President of Health Tourism International Chamber of Commerce, reported that the International Tourism Film Festival will show the best tourism promotion films in a variety of categories: Destinations, Cultural Tourism, Rural Tourism, Adventure, Expedition, Golf, Health Tourism, Religious Tourism, Ecotourism, Gastronomy and Hotels, Spas and Sports Tourism. The best film in each category will be awarded the "Hippocrates" prize and will compete for overall best film. During the Festival there will be conferences, seminars, symposiums, photographic exhibitions and a Health Tourism Fair.

The Festival aims to strengthen the power of film and multimedia to educate, train and inspire the appreciation and protection of nature and diversity of life it supports.

The Hippocrates Award operates on the principal that nature connects us all and there has never been a more urgent need to promote, honor and share films that move people into feeling that connection and preserving it.

Next January, Springlife Magazine comes into circulation as a news source for all aspects related to Miss Nature International and the New York Tourism Film Festival.

For more information, please go to: http://missnatureinternational.org or write to us at info@missnatureinternational.org

The success of the event depends on us all and will benefit Mother Nature first and foremost. All efforts for saving her are appreciated and we look forward to seeing you at these events with our slogan:

"As it was in the beginning."

Media contact: GARIS SILEGA
+1-973-732-0865
info@missnatureinternational.org

SOURCE Miss Nature International