Islanders who know someone who has made a special contribution to protect and enhance the environment are encouraged to show their appreciation through the Prince Edward Island Environmental Awards.
Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Chester Gillan has called for nominations for the 2002 awards which will be presented during Environment Week in June.
"Whether it is through individual efforts, working with community groups, or adopting environmentally-friendly business practices, Islanders take action every day to protect and enhance our environment," said Minister Gillan.
"The Environmental Awards are an opportunity to pause once a year to consider how we all benefit from these efforts and to give some well-deserved recognition to these environmental citizens for the tremendous contribution they make to our quality of life in Prince Edward Island."
Environmental Awards are presented in five categories:
• "Individual Citizen" recognizes exemplary efforts by Island citizens to protect, preserve or enhance the environment;
• "Business or Government Agency" recognizes organizations that provide services, products or labour that have low environmental impact and act as a model for sustainable economic activity;
• "Citizen Group or Organization" recognizes grassroots groups that make a special commitment to PEI's environment;
• "Education" recognizes outstanding environmental efforts by groups or individuals in the areas of academia or public education, and;
• "Youth" recognizes individuals under the age of 25 who have made an outstanding contribution to a healthy environment.
Last year's recipients in the five categories, respectively, were George Webster, Spring Valley Farms, Trout River Environmental Committee, Tom Hayward, and the Bluefield Envirothon Team.
Minister Gillan encourages Islanders to submit nominations for the 2002 Environmental Awards.
"I know there are many positive environmental initiatives happening in communities across Prince Edward Island. I urge Islanders to recognize the efforts of their friends and neighbours by taking the time to share these stories."
The deadline for nominations for the Prince Edward Island Environmental Awards is May 1, 2002. Nominations will be assessed by a selection committee comprised of members of the Minister's Environmental Advisory Council.
Nomination forms are available at Access PEI centres, online at www.gov.pe.ca/go/award, or by calling the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment at (902) 368-6664.