OSCE-supported competition helps Georgian children learn about protecting the environment

TBILISI, 1 June 2007 - Fifteen schoolchildren were named as winners today in a competition aimed at raising awareness about the importance of protecting the environment organized by the OSCE-supported Aarhus Centre and the Georgian Environment Ministry.

The winners, selected from 100 participants who submitted essays, photographs and paintings on the theme "Protect the Diversity of Georgia," will travel to Borjomi - Kharagauli National Park on 9 June.

"We were encouraged by the enthusiastic response to the competition," said Bill Hanlon, Economic and Environmental Officer in the OSCE Mission to Georgia. "The winners will learn a lot about biodiversity and conservation during their visit to the park."

The Aarhus Centre, established in December 2005, promotes access to environmental information, public participation in environmental decision-making and access to justice as outlined in the Aarhus Convention. The OSCE Mission to Georgia supports the Centre as part of its work to help the country fulfil its obligations under the convention.

"This event is very significant for us because it strengthens young people's environmental awareness and helps us find out what their needs and abilities are," said Nana Baramidze, the Centre's Manager.