UNEP SASAKAWA PRIZE OFFERS US$200,000 FOR INNOVATIVE GREEN PROJECT

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 (Bernama) -- The United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP) is inviting nominations for the 2011 UNEP Sasakawa Prize, which rewards
the most innovative, groundbreaking and sustainable grassroots environmental
initiatives in emerging and developing countries.

UNEP said in a statement that the competition, with the theme 'Forest for
People; Forest for Green Growth', offers US$200,000 in cash prize and rewards
the project with most significant socio-environmental impact.

"We are searching for the project that is able to promote the conservation
and sustainable management of forest, contribute to a meaningful reduction in
carbon emissions, and maintain forest ecosystem," it said.

Among projects that could compete are those which promote the conservation
and sustainable management of forests and contribute to a meaningful reduction
in carbon emissions caused by deforestation and forest degradation.

Others include projects that maintain forest ecosystems to improve
resilience to climate change and support pro-poor development, especially among
forest-dependent communities, and conserve biodiversity and help secure
ecosystem services.

The nominations will be accepted until Sept 30 and more information are
available at www.unep.org/sasakawa
-- BERNAMA