Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-06-03

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] World Environment Day campaign

[01] World Environment Day campaign

Syntagma Square in the centre of Athens was filled with stands carrying information leaflets for the public offered by the borough of Athens, parliament's environmental protection commitee and other interested organisations.

"Only through environmental education for each of us can the quality of life be improved for all," Athens Mayor Theodoros Behrakis told visitors.

On Sunday, a run for the public dedicated to the environment will be held in Athens.

In addition, the Environment, Town Planning and Public Works ministry has organised its own campaign whose main slogan is "You depend on the environment more than you think."

On Monday, Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister George Souflias will visit the country's first sea park on the Ionian island of Zakynthos where the Caretta Caretta turtle is protected.

"The truth is that in Greece we were slower to realise (the importance of the environment). Condemnation and Greece's pending issues with the European Union and the European Court on the environment, which were bequeathed to us by the previous government, are due to that, along with the lack of environmental training for the Greek public," Souflias said in a statement to mark the occasion.

"Over the past 27 months, we have been making a systematic efforts at the ministry for the environment. We have evidently not had enough time to handle all the pending issues of the past 20 years. However, a huge task has been carried out which is recognised by European Union services," he added.

In a surprise event, Athens-quoted Public Power Corporation (PPC) will give away roses grown in its greenhouse located in the Western Macedonia Lignite Centre.

Three rare species of Dutch roses are grown in the greenhouse, replacing vegetable and herbs grown in previous years.

PPC will also open its Ptolemaida lignite mine to the public, offering guided tours of the interior and areas that have been environmentally restored.

In another message for World Environment Day, Merchant Marine Minister Manolis Kefaloyiannis urged seamen to act as an example in protection of the marine environment.

"The sea is an element of vital importance for the country's economy, and for our daily lives. This should a be a day of reflection, especially for seamen, as the sea is their place of work, and of toil and of social contribution," the minister noted.

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article