Ahmedabad, 15 May 2012

Moving forward one step ahead in its endeavor to promote environment-friendly practices, Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEC), in association with World Around You (WAY), today launched a new initiative called ‘Study To Identify Good Environment – Friendly Practices In Gujarat’ (GEPG).

Speaking at the event, Shri A. K. Verma, IFS, Member Secretary, GEC, said, “The study will identify and acknowledge practices, adopted by any individual, NGO, government undertaking, private company, cooperative body or government department, which have created a positive impact on the quality of environment in Gujarat. Not only that, top 25 practices will also feature in a special publication, to be released on the basis of the outcome of the study.The area of actions that will be mainly considered while identifying the practices include nature & bio-diversity conservation, environmental quality management, energy conservation & renewable energy, agriculture & allied activities, waste management and other likewise activities.

While GEC will carry out and sponsor the study, WAY will act as the process advisor and official tabulator to the study. The last date for submission of the entries is June 15, 2012. A curtain raiser event was also held today at Hotel Marriot, Ahmedabad to formally initiate the process of the study. Senior government officials, heads of educational institutions, NGO representatives and environmental experts were present in the event in a large numbers.

“Every effort counts when it is about bringing a positive change. With the same spirit, we intend to bring forward efforts that have made significant contribution towards saving our environment. Through this study, we wish to recognize and reinforce 25 best initiatives in Gujarat to showcase environment consciousness & action spirit of people and organizations that are committed towards a better tomorrow. This will also inspire other people & organizations to join hands & adapt such practices.” Verma added.

He further added,“ we also request people of Gujarat to help us in identifying and sharing interesting practices which they believe can make a difference. They can participate in the study by nominating such practices.”

About GEC:

Gujarat Ecology Commission was established in 1992 by the Forest & Environment Department, Government of Gujarat to address the State’s environmental issues and facilitate development of sustainable technologies. The major strength of the Commission is its ability to draw on the existing institutional and professional resources of the State and elsewhere, based on felt need. It has worked with almost all the professionally renowned institutions of the State.

The Commission’s main role is to design projects, and is also involved in their execution, monitoring and evaluation. It works in areas associated with ecological and environmental protection.

GEC is a platform for providing information and other inputs, which are needed to develop a policy and approach for ecological conservation and sustainable development. At the same time, it undertakes, on its own and in collaboration with other agencies, initiatives for the protection of ecosystems under threat and restoration of ecologically degraded zones.

Gujarat Ecology Commission, with their extensive experience in the area of environmental rejuvenation and restoration has been also chosen as the State Project Management Unit for implementation of the World Bank aided Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project in the State of Gujarat.

About WAY:

World Around You is one of the few dedicated organizations that are working in the field of sustainable development using environment communication (EC) as a medium. WAY provides EC services to a wide range of clients including educational institutions, Government agencies, NGOs and corporate bodies. Since its inception WAY has innovated variety of EC programmes, events, materials, researches and strategies. WAY designs & conducts programmes for schools & innovative green campaigns to reach out to masses. WAY also develops communications like plays, brochures, booklets and animation films for knowledge & awareness. WAY also works as communication consultants to government departments for carrying out communication researches to support or enhance strategic planning.