Norway signed a US$1 million partnership deal with the United
Nations Development Program (UNDP) on Friday, and pledged to help
raise public awareness of the need to protect the environment.
The million-dollar framework, signed in Beijing by
representatives from the Royal Norwegian Embassy and UNDP, is
designed not only to raise environmental awareness, but also to
improve policy makers' knowledge of the environmental challenges
facing the nation.
It will reinforce two of the UNDP's ongoing programs with the
State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA), namely the
China Environmental Awareness Program (CEAP) and the EU-China
Biodiversity Program (ECBP).
"Effective implementation of environmental management and
conservation programs depends on education, raising awareness and
training in the relevant areas," said Alessandra Tisot, UNDP senior
deputy resident representative in China.
"Without an understanding of how to conserve their natural
resources, or indeed, why they must do so, few people and
communities will be motivated to take the action needed to curb
environmental degradation," she added. "That's why Norway's
contribution is so crucial and timely."
Initiated in June with total funds of US$3.5 million, the CEAP
is designed to raise public awareness of the environmental
challenges facing China and initiate a change in people's behavior,
attitude and practices towards environmental protection.
Under the initiative, high-profile national and local awareness
campaigns will be launched, targeting young people, and rural and
urban residents and communities.
According to Tisot, the campaigns will consist of public service
announcements, films, TV shows, documentaries, events and
performances. Goodwill ambassadors will also help spread the
message through TV, print, radio, Internet and mobile phone
promotions.
(China Daily September 30, 2006)