Batelco, in cooperation with the United Nations Environment Program Regional Office for West Asia (UNEP/ROWA), hosted a special event on Thursday at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa to mark World Environment Day 2008. The event took place under the patronage of Sheikh Abdulla Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Governor of the Southern Governorate, Head of The Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment & Wildlife. World Environment Day is marked annually on June 5th all over the world, with the objective of raising awareness about climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. This year's theme, “Kick the CO2 Habit !: Toward a Low Carbon Economy” focused on the opportunities for companies, communities and countries to de-carbonize their economies and lifestyles. Among the solutions proposed were the reduction of greenhouse gases, alternative energy sources and eco-friendly consumption, in order to counter climate change. Dr. Ismail Al-Madani, vice president, Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment & Wildlife, gave the welcoming address on behalf of Sheikh Abdulla. “Individuals, governments, and organizations have a role to play in maintaining the eco system balance that God has created, to help avoid the disastrous impacts of global warming on all aspects of life,” said Al-Madani. “We have to exert every effort possible to bring that eco system balance back to normal, or we will all pay the price of our irresponsible behaviors.” UNEP/ROWA Director & Regional Representative Dr. Habib El-Habr, delivered an address from UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner followed by United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator Sayed Aqa who presented an address for the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki moon. Additionally, an exhibition of photographs highlighting Bahrain's environment was displayed at the event. The photographs are the work of students from Reem Al-Khalifa's photography class, which is offered by the University College of Bahrain. World Environment Day is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates world-wide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. Batelco Group Human Resources General Manager Shaikh Ahmed Bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa said that Batelco was delighted to have the opportunity to host the regional celebrations. “We are very pleased to contribute to highlighting the major issues surrounding protecting the Gulf Region for future generations,” he said. __
