Indonesia commemorates World Environment Day

JAKARTA (Xinhua) - Indonesia on Thursday commemorated the 2014 World Environment Day by rewarding a number of cities, organizations and individuals for their outstanding contribution to environment protection.

The archipelago country, which is prone to impacts of climate change, adopted a a theme of "Uniting Steps, Protecting Coastal Environment from Climate Change Impacts" to observe this year's World Environment Day, which falls on June 5.

In the event, Environment Minister Balthazar Kambuaya handed over several annual awards in different categories to representatives of cities, schools and individuals for their achievements in protecting the environment in their respective areas.

Fifteen cities received Adipura Kencana award for their remarkable efforts in controlling water and air pollution, soil management, dealing with climate change, as well as other achievements.  

Over 80 cities received Adipura award for their success in preserving cleanliness and 32 others received Adipura certifications for providing good environment infrastructure.  

Meanwhile, the Kalpataru awards were given to 326 individuals and groups proved to have shown their real dedication to protecting the environment in their respective areas.

The Adiwiyata awards were given to 44 schools in 10 provinces for their dedication to promoting and preserving green environment.

The minister also handed over awards for best regional environment status reported by provincial and municipal administrations.

On the eve of commemorating the World Environment Day, Indonesia claimed significant progress in addressing environment issues and in the implementation of its integrated national programs aimed at preserving the environment in the country and improving its role in the world.

According to the Environment Ministry, from 2009 to 2014, some 1,800 firms have been actively taking part in the green production program of PROPER, 300 cities in clean city contest of Adipura and 200 regencies in Towards Green Indonesia program.

The ministry said some 6,000 schools have been involved in an Adiwiyata program aimed at improving schools' environmental protection awareness during that period.

The ministry also initiated several programs aimed at reducing carbon emission, including the Climate Neighborhood program, biodiversity management improvement, movement to save lakes and protection of natural water fountains.

At the international level, Indonesia's initiative to reduce carbon emission by 26 percent as of 2020 was widely welcomed by international communities. The country is also trusted by the United Nations to lead countries in the Asia Pacific region in the implementation of the 10-year framework program of sustainable consumption and production.

"In line with the theme of 2014 World Environment Day, the environment ministry is now drafting an integrated plan in managing coastal areas towards State of Coast goal. The plan would integrate efforts of central and regional governments," Balthazar Kambuaya said when addressing the event to commemorate the 2014 World Environment Day themed "Raise Your Voice, Not the Sea Level."