New Zealand prepares to host World Environment Day

Planning for New Zealand’s hosting of World Environment Day 2008 on 5 June is well underway, and you are encouraged to become involved.

This is the first time New Zealand has hosted the internationally celebrated event since its establishment in 1972, and it provides an opportunity for us to showcase the positive things we are doing nationally, regionally and internationally on sustainability and to reduce climate change impacts.

The theme for this year is ‘Kick the carbon habit’ and will focus on opportunities for countries, companies and communities to make the transition to a low carbon economy and lifestyle. As one of the first countries with a stated goal to work towards a carbon neutral future, New Zealand is a logical choice to host the event this year.

There will also be a focus on the role of forests in countering rises in greenhouse gases. World Environment Day provides the opportunity to highlight the role technologies and forestry management can play in achieving domestic and international climate goals.

A number of core events will take place in the first week of June including the Art for the Environment Exhibition with works from renowned international artists; a photographic exhibition from the International Photographic Competition on the Environment; and an international children’s painting competition. These events are organised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in partnership with New Zealand.

In addition, the Ministry is encouraging councils, business, communities, interest groups and schools to organise and participate in regional and local events. Limited contestable funding is available to groups interested in organising their own activities in recognition of World Environment Day, and everyone getting involved is encouraged to register their event on the World Environment Day website (www.world.environment.govt.nz).

The UNEP website (www.unep.org/wed) also offers a list of 80 suggested ways to celebrate the event and provides some inspiring examples of how World Environment Day was celebrated in previous years by other countries around the world.

The day is intended to be a people’s participation event and will include street rallies, bike parades, essay and poster competitions in schools, tree planting, recycling and clean-up campaigns.

The Ministry’s annual Green Ribbon Awards will mark the start of the celebrations two days before World Environment Day. The categories for this year’s Green Ribbons reflect the ‘Kick the carbon habit’ theme and will represent ways New Zealanders contribute to reducing climate change impacts. The categories have been extended from six to nine to include an award for innovative solutions to the environment, community action for the environment, and a lifetime commitment to the environment.

There will be a number of international journalists and VIPs visiting New Zealand attending the event. Rajendra Pachauri (United Nations Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change Nobel laureate), and Achim Steiner (United Nations Environment Programme Executive Director) are among the high profile international guests.

World Environment Day is an opportunity for Kiwis to demonstrate their commitment to taking better care of the environment.

For more information on World Environment Day and how you can get involved visit: www.world.environment.govt.nz/

For more information on the Green Ribbon Awards visit: www.mfe.govt.nz/withyou/awards/

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