Environmental action inspired/galvanized by Australia, Bangladesh, Colombia, India, and Kenya based projects have gained recognition/awards for this year’s World Environment Day Challenge in announcement made this week (August 2, 2012) by the UN. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) challenged people across the world to pledge an environmental activity. for the chance to win a Kia Motors fuel-efficient car in connection with this year’s World Environment Day, which was observed on 5 June. Read our Blog for Film: “World Environment Day Sets Hopes for Rio+20".
“Today we celebrate five inspiring projects, submitted for the World Environment Day 2012 challenge, that illuminate the pathway to a transition to a green economy,” said UNEP’s Executive Director, Achim Steiner. Focusing on the main prize of Kia Hybrid Automobolie: “The most environmentally friendly travel is by train, bus, carpooling, cycle or on foot, but in some countries making an eco-friendly project happen may need a private vehicle. If so, it should be fuel-efficient. This is why we are awarding such vehicles to these projects, most of which are run in developing nations with underdeveloped public transport networks.”
Civil Society & Citizens’ Action Winners Recognized:
Australia – Sunshine Coast Environment Council which organizes World Environment Day Festival held annually to raise awareness of environmental issues and the unique flora and fauna of the region, as well as promote the adoption of sustainable lifestyles and technologies
Bangladesh - non-profit organization, Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha, celebrates World Environment Day through a solar-powered boat rally, a drawing competition on floating schools, an essay-writing competition on floating libraries, an exhibition on a two-tier boat and evening shows of training boats under the theme – ‘The Green Economy in a Changing Climate – Hope Floats.’
Colombia – Fundacion Ecoprogresso works to protect a mangrove lagoon surrounding the city of Cartagena and organizes activities for World Environment Day to raise awareness of the importance of the mangrove ecosystem for the local green economy, especially for ecotourism and sustainable fishing.
India – Hand in Hand is a development organization in the southern city of Chennai bringing together over 500 volunteers to create a colorful 10,000 square foot Rangoli carpet depicting 10 environmental themes. Rangoli (Photo Above) is a hand-drawn Indian art which adorns the courtyards of many houses.
Kenya - Maji Mazuri Centre International, located in Nairobi, runs an initiative called Green Heroes, in which youth focus on organizing and improving waste management in the Kenyan capital’s informal Mathare settlement. Among its events for World Environment Day were a communal clean-up day and a football match that galvanized over 2,000 people.
To find out more about the Contest, Winners and UNEP backed World Environment Days events – at UPS News Centre. Observance of World Environment Day began in 1972 as a way to raise awareness of the environment and encourage political attention and action. This year’s theme for the Day – ‘Green Economy: Does it include you?’ – sought to underscore the need for everyone to play a part in keeping humankind’s ecological footprints within planetary boundaries. Also See our Film for Blog: “Gisele Bundchen: Diplomat Artist on World Environment Day 2010”.
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