Two more Chinese cities joined a list of the United Nation's
greenest urban areas yesterday.
The award, given by the UN
Environment Programme (UNEP), shows recognition for growing
action in China to protect the environment in urban areas.
UNEP Executive Director Klaus Toepfer awarded Shenzhen in South
China's Guangdong Province and Aohan Banner, a county-level
administrative region, in North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous
Region as members of the "Global 500" for their consistent efforts
and remarkable achievements in protecting the local
environment.
It
was the second time Chinese cities on the mainland have been given
the award that was launched by the UNEP in 1987. Officially called
the "Global 500 Roll of Honour for Environmental Achievement," it
is one of the most prestigious international environmental
protection honours and includes more than 500 cities, as well as
hundreds of individuals and organizations worldwide. Eight cities
in seven countries were awarded for 2002.
Toepfer said the young city of Shenzhen has worked to fight against
poverty through integrated efforts to develop the economy and
improve the environment. Its efforts will be highlighted at the
upcoming Earth Summit II in Johannesburg in August, he said.
Shenzhen was also chosen by the UNEP as the global celebration
centre for the 30th World Environment Day, which takes place
today.
Aohan Banner was recognized for its remarkable achievements in the
past decades to fight against desertification in its suburbs.
Dalian, a port city in Northeast China's Liaoning Province, was the
first city in the Chinese Mainland to receive the award last
year.
Tighten laws on air and household wastes disposal have been drawn
up in China in the last few years as environmental issues have been
advanced in the public policy agenda.
Vice-Premier Wen Jiabao sent a letter of congratulations to the two
cities and the ongoing 2002 World Environment Day Celebrations in
Shenzhen.
Wen said the international community needs to further combine
efforts to improve public awareness of environmental
protection.
UN
Secretary-General Kofi Annan also sent a message saying the theme
of this year's World Environment Day - "Give earth a chance" -
carries a message of emergency that sustainable development must
take place.
(
China Daily
June 5, 2002)