World Environment Day guests confirmed

NZ Environment Minister Trevor Mallard has announced that Dr Rajendra Pachauri (UN Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change Nobel Laureate), President Tong of Kiribati and Achim Steiner (United Nations Environment Programme executive director) will be coming to New Zealand to help celebrate the internationally recognised World Environment Day on 5 June.

“This is the first time New Zealand has hosted the United Nations Environment Programme event since its establishment in 1972. Dr Pachauri, President Tong and Mr Steiner will be joining other guests and international journalists at New Zealand’s celebrations,” Mallard said.

The World Environment Day theme for 2008 is Working Towards a Low Carbon Economy.

“We are encouraging community groups, district and regional councils, industry, business, sports teams and schools to organise and participate in regional and local events. World Environment Day is intended to be a people’s event celebrated with colourful activities such as street parades, bike parades, essay and poster competitions in schools and tree planting, as well as recycling and clean-up campaigns,” Mallard said.

“The core program includes the Art for the Environment Exhibition with works from renowned international artists; a photographic exhibition from the International Photographic Competition on the Environment; and an international children’s painting competition.”

For more information, visit www.world.environment.govt.nz.