Venezuela's 22-year-old contestant Alyz Henrich was crowned Miss Earth 2013 on Saturday in Philippines.
Venezuela has managed to keep its beauty queen industry flourishing, despite economic problems have worsened in recent weeks as inflation touched a two-decade high of 54 percent and shortages of basic goods like toiled paper and milk have worsened.
A whole industry of grooming schools, plastic surgeons and beauty salons has emerged to prepare young women for the thousands of pageants that take place each year around the country in schools, army barracks and even prisons.
Venezuela has won more major international beauty competitions than any other nation, and beauty pageants rank alongside baseball as the country's most-followed diversion, one that transcends social class and normally insurmountable political
Last month, Gabriela Isler, was crowned Miss Universe 2013.
This is the second beauty pageant title for Venezuela this year.
The runners-up are Miss Austria, who was crowned Miss Air, Miss Thailand won the Miss Water title and Miss Korea was named Miss Fire.
When asked about her environmental advocacy, she said, "I will be working for the recollection of trash in the Los Roques Island Chain, supporting the cause directed by a brilliant 12 year old kid, who began to work to keep the waters of these
In the Q&A round, she was asked: "How does eco-tourism contribute to the protection of the environment?". She replied saying, "We people are responsible for the destruction of our nature. We need to be aware and take care of Mother Earth."
Henrich defeated 88 contestants to take home the coveted crown.
.jpg "Miss Venezuela wins Miss Earth 2013")
.jpg "Miss Venezuela wins Miss Earth 2013")
