8 awarded Environmental Excellence Prize

Eight Israelis were awarded the Environmental Protection Ministry Excellence Prize in January, for their contribution to environmental betterment in Israel. The award, which includes a NIS 50,000 ($13,000) grant, was presented for the third consecutive year at a ceremony held at the Presidential Residence in Jerusalem. President Shimon Peres presented the winners with the award alongside Environmental Protection Minister Gilad Erdan, a ministry statement said. Related stories: ILA to form environmental fund Opinion: Government vs. environment "Through their vision, the men and women who were awarded the prize are leading the way toward a full, vibrant world. I wish to extend my deep thanks to you. Continue to break green roads for the blue future of our children," Peres said. "The recipients of the prize are a model of the environmentally responsible behavior which we must all adopt," Erdan added. According to the ministry, 70 individuals and organizations submitted their candidacy for the 2011 prize in the following categories: Young entrepreneurs, volunteers, associations and organizations, local government, commerce and industry and individuals with exceptional achievements. The eight winners were selected by a panel of environmental experts, based on criteria that included "significant environmental action which integrates originality and innovation and impacts on wide circles of Israeli society," the ministry said. The winners included: Nader Alafinish and Aya Rimon, who head a young environmental leadership program in Rahat, for promoting environmental education and awareness in this Bedouin city. Alon Schuster, head of Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council, for his extensive environmental activities. Eti Altman, a well-known spokesperson for animal rights, for her widespread activities in this field. The Environmental Fellows Program of the Heschel Center for Environmental Learning and Leadership for its implementation of the flagship program for environmental training in Israel, established ten years ago. The Eretz Carmel NGO for its ever-growing activities on behalf of separation of waste in Israel. The Misgav Regional Council for initiating the "Sustainability Master Plan" in local government, a model adopted in other local authorities. Intel Israel, a leader in the adoption of environmental technologies, for the integration of environmental principles and technologies in all areas of its activities. Speaking during the ceremony, Minister Erdan added: "The Ministry of Environmental Protection is taking numerous steps to protect the environment in Israel, by means of legislation, enforcement, education and information and more. "However, the real revolution will only take place if we encourage action by leaders and opinion makers in the public and in industry. "For this reason, I initiated the environmental excellence prize, which is meant to identify and highlight the leaders of the camp, who spearhead environmental action in different sectors. It is our responsibility to support them and to help them bequeath a sustainable lifestyle to the public in general," he concluded. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter