Green Award Programme – Ethiopia launched

April 4, 2006

 ADDIS ABABA – Forum for Environment Association officially launched a Green Award Programme-Ethiopia to serve as a tool for environmental advocacy by encouraging environmental awareness and practical actions to combat environmental degradation.

At a press conference held at the National Palace yesterday, the Patron of the programme, President Girma Wolde-Giorgis said that the objectives of the programme are to initiate an annual award programme to individuals and institutions involved in environmental protection and management and acknowledge and disseminate exemplary initiatives as well.

He said that the Programme is the first of its kind to encourage stakeholders to contribute more in the future, motivate others to contribute their share to the betterment of the environment and foster the political will of the government as well as donors to invest more in the environment.

The government will give due emphasis to foster environmental protecting activities, that have direct or indirect positive impact towards changing the livelihood of the community.

Forum for Environmental Coordinator, Nigusu Aklilu on his part said that the awards will be granted at the national and regional levels in four categories, civil society organizations, youth groups, private sectors and individuals.

He said that a National Green Award Committee comprising 21 individuals from different institutions and walks of life has been formed. Members of the committee include President Girma Wolde-Giorgis, people from the House of Peoples’ Representatives, artists, academicians, governmental authorities, youth representatives, journalists and individuals from the private sector business community, etc.

The main pivotal yardsticks which will be used to develop the selection criteria are its relevance towards achieving sustainable development; role in addressing socio-economic and ecological concerns; gender sensitivity; multiplier potential, and the acceptance the work has by the stakeholders around, mainly the public, governmental and non-governmental stakeholders and the administration.

The first regional green award ceremonies in each regional capital will be held between April and May 2006, while the National Green Award ceremony will be held on June 5, 2006, it was learnt.

Source: Ethiopian Herald