EMA launches 2010 Green Leaf Awards

“Biodiversity – the value of nature” is the theme of the 2010 Green Leaf Awards sponsored by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA). The EMA has adopted this year’s theme, in keeping with year-long observances of the International Year of Biodiversity.

This year’s theme recognizes the intrinsic and economic value of biodiversity. It acknowledges that education and awareness-building remain critical to an understanding of the true value of nature, as we face the challenge of maintaining a balance between development and natural resource management.

The EMA welcomes nominations from the general public for this biennial award.

Through the Green Leaf Awards, the EMA seeks to recognise and celebrate those organisations and individuals whose activities support, acknowledge and promote the intrinsic and economic value of nature, as well as honour persons who integrate the philosophy of sustainable development into their activities, demonstrate innovation, engage in public education and awareness, and make sustainable economic contributions to their communities. 

Nominations are being accepted in the categories of Individual, Youth/Youth Group, Community-Based Organisation, Non-Government Organisation, Public Sector, Private Sector, audio-Visual Work and Media.

What about you?

• Have you or anyone you know done anything to recognise or celebrate nature in any of its various forms?
• Has your organisation been involved in projects that show the true worth of an ecosystem in your community?
• Have you been an ambassador or champion for an area of biodiversity significance, helped to protect a species or promoted its worth to the wider community?

Members of the public who wish to nominate an individual or group that has started or sustained a project in keeping with the theme can obtain copies of the Criteria, Guidelines and Nomination forms at the EMA’s head office located at
# 8 Elizabeth Street, St Clair, its south office at # 1 Dumfries Road, La Romaine or the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment Unit, 6&7 Highmore Centre, 78 Wilson Road, Scarborough, Tobago. 
Forms can also be downloaded in pdf format from www.ema.co.tt.

Nomination Forms are to be accompanied by supporting documents or evidence of the nominee’s project. 

They can also be addressed to the Corporate Communications Unit at the head office or e-mailed to greenleaf@ema.co.tt

The Awards will be presented at the EMA’s World Environment Day celebrations on June 5th 2010.

Biodiversity is life. Biodiversity is our life. Biodiversity is the foundation upon which all life is maintained and prospers. Trinidad and Tobago’s rich biodiversity is the key to our future prosperity. Join with the EMA in observing this year-long occasion.

For further information please contact Corporate Communications Officer Karryl Whitehall at 628-8042 ext. 2238 or Corporate Communications Assistant, Naylan Dwarika at ext. 2275.