B.C. HONOURS ENVIRONMENTAL ACHIEVEMENTS

VICTORIA – Six outstanding British Columbians have been selected to receive the 2007 Arbor Vitae Awards in recognition of their dedication to environmental protection and stewardship, Environment Minister Barry Penner announced today.

“I am proud to recognize the efforts and accomplishments of these committed British Columbians,” said Penner “As environmental concerns gain worldwide attention, it becomes increasingly significant to acknowledge those people whose everyday actions create a legacy of sustainability and responsible environmental citizenship.”

Launched last May, the Arbor Vitae Awards called for nominations of individuals who make a difference in one or more aspects of environmental protection and stewardship, either through hands-on work, or by promoting and encouraging the benefits of sound environmental practices – from sustainability and the fight against climate change, to habitat restoration, protection of species and ecosystems, and resource conservation.

The 2007 Arbor Vitae Award recipients are:

Dr. David Green from Victoria

Les Husband from Prince George

Emmanuel Machado from Pouce Coupe

Ruth McDougall from Armstrong

Daphne Solecki from Vancouver

Joe van Belleghem from Victoria

The awards attracted high-calibre nominations from all over the province. Over several weeks, a selection committee comprising representatives from stakeholder groups and Ministry of Environment senior officials had the formidable task of selecting the six winners.

“It was very rewarding to discover the number of dedicated, environmentally conscious people living and working across the province,” added Penner. “Their actions are instrumental to move British Columbia ahead as a world leader in sustainability and responsible environmental management.”

While it was only possible to honour some of the nominees whose contributions were deemed to have the most critical and/or lasting impact on environmental protection and stewardship, the Ministry of Environment would like to thank everyone who took the time to submit a nomination. Every contribution to environmental well-being, whether large or small in scale, is of great value to British Columbia.

For more information and updates on the Ministry of Environment Arbor Vitae Awards, please visit the website at: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/mea/

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Media contact:	Kate Thompson Media Relations 250 953-4577

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