ENA
6 June 2006
Addis Ababa — The Green Awards Programme gave awards to organizations, associations and individuals for their significant contributions to environmental protection activities at the national level.
The awardees were organizations, associations and individuals engaged in soil conservation, afforestation, biodiversity development, and waste recycling among others.
State Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ahmed Nasir and General Manager of the Environmental Protection Authority, Dr. Tewolde-Berhan Gebre-Egziabher handed the awards at a ceremony held at the National Palace.
Speaking at the event, State minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ahmed Nasir said Green Awards Programme was launched to recognize organizations and individuals positively contributing for environmental protection.
The Green Awards Programme has been given to civic, youth associations, individuals and the private sector in the country.
President Girma Wolde-Giorgis was among the awardees for his significant contributions in environmental protection.
Similalry, the Green Awards Programme gave awards to 10 individuals and organizations that made significant contributions to environmental protection activities in Addis Ababa.
Speaking at the award ceremony Coordinator of Forum for Environment Negussie Aklilu said the award is given to organizations and individuals engaged in forest development, biodiversity conservation and recycling activities, among others.
Negussie said since environmental protection is a component of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), individual and collective efforts should be exerted to protect and conserve the environment.
Endurance Youth Association, Tena Kebena and Ginfile Clean Association and WeSMCO are among the organizations awarded for their efforts in environmental conservation activities.
Negussie said the Green Award Programme was initiated with a view to encouraging the activities of individuals and organizations that contribute to environmental protection efforts.
Negussie said these organizations and individuals have undertaken exemplary deeds in recycling waste materials and plastic bags in a way that does not pose threat to the environment.
Mayor of the Addis Ababa City Caretaker Administration Berhanu Deresa handed over the awards in the presence of cabinet members.
Green Award is a programme initiated by Forum for Environment with the financial assistance of the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) to encourage individuals and organizations engaged in environmental protection.
Meanwhile, a cabinet member with the Addis Ababa Caretaker Administration said efforts would be deployed to make the capital city a better place to live in by maintaining and improving the balance of its ecosystem.
Misganaw Arega, who is also head of the Information and Culture Bureau of the administration made the announcement here yesterday at an event held to mark World Environment Day at Kebele 16/17 of the Yeka Sub-city.
Misganaw on the occasion said the Government, cognizant of the need for residents to keep their environment in a sustainable manner, is on the move to implement participatory projects with special focus to the development of basins and river banks.
The city administration on its part is advocating for community mobilization in projects related to environmental protection, he indicated.
He said the Day is marked at a time when environmental development and protection activities are being carried out with priority attention to replenish denuded hillsides, gullies and river banks.
He called on the city residents to join forces in the efforts underway to raise the green stretches of the city.
Environmental Protection Authority General Manager Getachew Eshete on his part called on residents to plant a tree per head as individual contribution, the realization of which would greatly help improve the bionetwork.
According to legal education and impact assessment department head with the Authority Seifu Legesse, the objectives of marking the Day include raising public awareness on environmental issues as well as advocating environmental concerns among policy makers to be able to embark on coordinated action.
Yeka Sub-city Environmental Protection Team Leader Zenebu Tekle-Haimanot on her part announced preparations to develop 200 hectares in the area.
Indigenous tree seedlings have been transplanted as part of the observance of the Day marked for the 33rd time internationally and the 13th time in Ethiopia.
Present at the celebrations were representatives of governmental and non-governmental organizations, civic association, students and dwellers.
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