The Government of Maldives will recognize and award the Green Leaf award given by the President HE Maumoon Abdul Gayoom to more wider participants from different sectors and walks of life who render outstanding services for the protection of the environment and promoting environmentally friendly living and lifestyle. This was announced by the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Water as part of the program organized to mark World Environment Day this year. The prestigious Green Leaf award has been given to several persons and institutions during the previous years to recognize and honor their invaluable service for the cause of the environment. The Government started the Green Leaf award in 1995 in a bid to motivate and encourage those who are relentlessly working for protecting the environment. The award is aimed at widening the participation of the people and strengthening the environment partnership. Among the different areas and categories for the Green Leaf Award from this year are, NGOs, Schools, Media, Island Committees, Womens' Committees, Fishermen, Energy efficiency, Renewable energy development and Industrial works. “We want to motivate and encourage widest possible participation in this important task. Actually the people from many sectors and areas are doing a lot of work. They are raising awareness; changing thinking and behaviors of the people. People are very alert and concerned. Some people are abusing the natural resources, violating rules and regulations. Many persons and NGOs and other sources are vigilant and watching and helping us to stop the abuses. At the same time they are doing many awareness and advocacy programmes which is so important for the national efforts and lasting results" Mohamed Zuhair, Deputy Director of the Environment Ministry said. He also said that they are working with the National Commission for the Protection of Environment and other sectors to organize and run the Environment Day programmes and activities on a sustainable manner aiming at increasing awareness, strengthening sectoral, NGO and community partnership to make all responsible and work for the environment. This year's official environment programmes will be held in A Dh. Mahibadhoo. Country wide programmes also will be held to mark the day.
|