Prime Minister Helen Clark is being honored with a UNEP Special Prize in addition to the Champion of the Earth recognition. "By setting a carbon neutral goal for New Zealand, Prime Minister Clark has put her country at the forefront of today's environmental challenges," UNEP said, announcing the awards on Monday.
Three major policy initiatives launched by Clark attracted UNEP's favorable attention - the Emissions Trading Scheme; the Energy Strategy; and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy.
Clark said the Champion of the Earth Award is an honor. "For New Zealand to become a truly sustainable nation, it requires government, business, and community to each take special responsibilities and pursue a common interest," she said.
"It is clearly the responsibility of government to give leadership. It reflects our belief that pursuing sustainability is not only the right thing to do, but is also a strategic investment in New Zealand's overall future, said Clark. "Further sustainability initiatives will be unveiled by the government this year."
"We also look forward to hosting World Environment Day on June 5, which will focus on opportunities for countries, companies and communities to 'kick the carbon habit' and make the transition to a low carbon economy and lifestyle," she said.
The Champions of the Earth prizes will be presented at a ceremony in Singapore on Earth Day April 22. No monetary reward is attached to the prize; each laureate receives a trophy made of recycled metal designed by the Kenyan sculptor Kioko and representing the fundamental elements for life on Earth - sun, air, land and water.
The 2008 Champions of the Earth:
Africa: Balgis Osman-Elasha, a senior researcher at Sudan's Higher Council for Environment and Natural Resources;
Asia and the Pacific: Atiq Rahman, executive director of the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies
Europe: Prince Albert II of Monaco
Latin America and the Caribbean: Liz Thompson, the former energy and environment minister of Barbados
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North America: Timothy Wirth, president of the United Nations Foundation and Better World Fund, former U.S. Senator from Colorado
West Asia: Abdul-Qader Ba-Jammal, secretary-general of the Yemen People's General Congress, former prime minister of Yemen
"Today, we face environmental challenges of unprecedented magnitude. More than ever, our planet needs committed leaders and achievers like the 2008 Champions of the Earth who spur real, positive change and fuel innovative solutions to environmental problems," said UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner.
"In doing so, these inspirational individuals demonstrate not only that action and different development paths are possible but also the abundant opportunities arising as a result of a transformation towards a green economy," he said.
NAIROBI, Kenya, - A prime minister, a former prime minister, and a prince are among seven Champions of the Earth selected for recognition as outstanding environmental achievers by the UN Environment Programme. The work of this year's champions - one from each region of the world - is all related to global warming in some way.