London- World Challenge 2007, a competition run by BBC World and Newsweek for business and community projects, has announced its 12 finalists. The finalists, who will be profiled in six 30-minute programmes on BBC World and in advertorials in Newsweek, were chosen from a record 942 nominations. They include Indonesia’s The Masarang Palm Sugar Factory– Providing an alternative to wood in the sugar industry; Vietnam’s Sa Pa Essentials – Boosting income with medicinal plants; and two from Nepal: Foundation for Sustainable Technologies – Bringing sustainable energy to Nepal; and MEND– Creating affordable opportunities for disabled people. World Challenge 2007 seeks to identify and reward people and businesses who bring economic, social and environmental benefits to their communities by implementing grassroots solutions to alleviate tough global challenges, such as poverty and pollution.