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NLIS 1 May 31, 2004 (Environment and Conservation) 15th annual Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards presented The 15th annual Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards were announced today during a ceremony at the Geo Centre in St. John�s. Tom Osborne, Minister of Environment and Conservation, Shirley Fraize, president, Newfoundland and Labrador Women�s Institutes (NLWI), and John Scott, chairman and CEO, MMSB presented the awards to the recipients. The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards Program is a joint initiative of the Department of Environment and Conservation, NLWI and MMSB. The awards program honours our outstanding leaders in environment and conservation. The environmental awards are a public acknowledgment of the initiative, dedication, and hard work that individuals, communities, schools, and organizations have put into caring for our environment and the wise use of our natural heritage. "I extend a sincere congratulations to the winners of this year's environmental awards," said Minister Osborne. "I commend their commitment to protecting and enhancing our environment. I would also like to congratulate all other individuals and groups who were nominated. I encourage them to continue with their environmental activities." The annual environmental awards are presented to individuals and groups who make an exceptional effort to create a healthier environment and to help promote and encourage environmentally friendly practices. Award winners also receive $100 honourarium from MMSB to be used to continue their environmental project. Awards are presented in six categories and this year�s winners are:
"The environment around us is one of our most precious possessions. It needs to be protected and nurtured to ensure that it will be safeguarded for ourselves and future generations," said Shirley Fraize. "This tremendous responsibility and opportunity falls upon all of us, collectively and individually to be actively involved and to encourage others to do whatever is needed to take on this task." "I congratulate all of this year's environmental award winners. We should all follow the wonderful example set by these individuals and groups honoured here today," said Mr. Scott. "I also thank all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians for their continued support of our provincial recycling programs and encourage others to play a role in helping to protect our province for future generations." Media contact:
INDIVIDUAL During the past decade with her work with the Protected Areas Association, Laura has been an effective voice for conservation of natural lands within the province, country, and internationally. She is a member of the province�s Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Committee and acts as an advisor to the World Wildlife Fund of Canada and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. She has a great passion for Newfoundland and Labrador and works tirelessly toward the preservation of our environment. Ms. Jackson is devoted to conservation planning within the province and is certainly deserving of this year�s Individual Environmental Award.
COMMUNITY GROUP OR ORGANIZATION The Conservation Corps is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing youth with training and employment in environmental and cultural heritage conservation. The Conservation Corps has established a successful track record in delivering environmental and cultural heritage conservation projects that bring youth together with provincial, national, and international government, corporate, and community partners. This organization runs a number of great environmental programs, including:
For their continued support of the environment and dedication to young people in Newfoundland and Labrador we are pleased to award the Community Group or Organization Award to the Conservation Corps of Newfoundland and Labrador.
YOUTH OR YOUTH GROUP Gaia Environmental Youth Group is in its second year of a five-year project to purchase a Biogreen Septic System. This biological treatment system will replace the current septic system, which would largely reduce contaminated effluent entering the Shearstown Estuary. The members of Gaia are also involved with a mentoring program with Ocean Net. They have put together a comprehensive education package which they deliver to schools in the area telling them about their project, and also encouraging other schools to get involved. This group, with their dedicated teachers, is a wonderful ambassador for the environment.
SCHOOL OR EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION Students and staff at Straits Elementary have demonstrated a commitment to incorporate environmental awareness of the unique Limestone Barrens from Port au Choix to Raleigh into the school curriculum and activities. Since many of the plants found in the Limestone Barrens are rare and endangered, students and staff felt if was necessary to get the commitment of all the people in the area to ensure its protection. The goals of this program are to: instill local pride; promote responsible use; gain knowledge about rare plants; and enhance local and regional knowledge to preserve and take on the responsibility of caring for their fragile habitat. The teachers and students of Straits Elementary are deserving recipients of this award.
MUNICIPALITY OR REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT
COMMITTEE The goals of this Regional Waste Management Committee include: the reduction of the number of waste disposal sites on the Northern Peninsula and the reduction of at least 50 per cent waste entering these sites. Some of the committee�s successes to date include:
NorPen Waste Management Inc. serves the upper portion of the Northern Peninsula. Within this area, there are 13 waste disposal sites comprised of six dump sites and seven teepee incinerators. Congratulations to NorPen Waste Management Inc. for winning the Municipality or Regional Waste Management Committee Award.
BUSINESS Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador This year�s award in the business category is presented to Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador on behalf of the organizing partners of this year�s Canadian Adventure Tourism Industry Congress. In the fall of 2003, the third Canadian Adventure Tourism Industry Congress was held in Rocky Harbour, and the organizing committee made a commitment that the event would be a Green Event. As a result, for the fist time since inception, the congress followed green guidelines and made a commitment to adhere to high environmental standards with respect to conference and meeting practices. Some of the highlights of the committee�s environmental practices are:
As a lasting legacy project for the schools in the area, the committee supported the implementation of TRASH-ED, a solid waste education program targeted at elementary school children. This program will be delivered to children by Gros Morne staff this season In recognition of the committee�s efforts, we are pleased to present the Business Award to Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador. 2004 05 31 10:30 a.m. |
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