Paryavaran Mitra Puraskar 2013 launched by environment ministry

PUNE: ParyavaranMitra, a nationwide initiative to create a network of young leader from schools across the country, by the Union ministry of environment and forests has announced the launch of ParyavaranMitraPuraskar 2013.

A statement released by Paryavaran Mitra here said that, Paryavaran Mitra Puraskar was a recognition of exemplary leadership shown by schools and its stakeholders in encouraging and engaging students in handprint actions that includes what individuals are doing to restore the balance between consumption and the planet's carrying capacity.

The awards were launched in 2007 by the Centre for Environment Education (CEE) at UNESCO's fourth international conference on environmental education held at Ahmedabad. The statement said the Handprint represents the belief that we can make a difference through individual and collective actions to solve the environmental problems.
The award is to be conferred in five categories including school, teacher, student, district and state. The statement said that schools that promote positive and tangible action and projects towards sustainability, an integral part of education for sustainable development (ESD).

The statement further added, "The Paryavaran Mitra Puraskar encourages schools to initiate and implement action projects, to share their experience and recognises exemplary work. Schools which fulfil the eligibility criteria defined on the website can apply for the Paryavaran Mitra Puraskar School".