More than 100 delegates from 10 ASEAN countries and three partners, China, Japan and the Republic of Korea attended a launch ceremony of the 2012 ASEAN Environment Year in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 17-18.

This year’s event themed “Environmental Awareness through Eco-schools” focused on the role of schools in improving pupils’ awareness of the importance of environmental protection and nature conservation.

At the opening ceremony, Malaysian Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Douglas Uggah Embas expressed his hope that these will be stronger actions taken by ASEAN countries on the way to sustainable environmental development and effective management of natural resources.

On the occasion, the ASEAN Eco-schools Award 2012 was presented to 20 schools from ASEAN countries, including two from Vietnam, for their contributions to educating their pupils on environmental protection and promoting environmentally friendly activities.

Truong Thi Cam Tu, Vice Director of the Thuc Nghiem Primary School, said it was a great honour for the school to receive the noble award in recognition of its constant efforts in building a clean and pleasant learning environment.

Le Mai Anh, Vice Director of the Chu Van An Secondary School, said the award confirms the 100-year old school’s position in the field of environmental protection, not only at home but also in the region. The school will always be considered as a green lung in the city, Anh said.

(VOV)