BEIJING, Aug. 22(Xinhuanet)-- China will for the first time award prizes to individuals who have made valuable contributions to the country's environmental protection.

"The prize will also serve to promote the implementation of the scientific view of development and the construction of a green China," said Pan Yue, vice minister of the State Environmental Protection Administration, here Monday when announcing the new prize, which will be supported by the Environmental Planning Office of the United Nations.

According to prize organizers, the first candidates this year will be selected from various institutions including civil service, business, academia, the news media, NGOs and universities. Workers and farmers who have made outstanding contributions to environmental protection will also be considered.

"In past years, more and more individuals have influenced environmental protection and made great contributions to China's peaceful rise," said Pan.

"They are'global citizens' in a real sense and pioneers in building an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly society in China."

He said the prize showcases the essence of public opinion and boosts"public spirit".

"We hope the prize can both show the public's respect to the winners and prompt more to follow their deeds," said Pan."As you know, environmental protection is a thing that should be done by the whole people."

The prize-awarding soiree will be held on Dec. 1, 2005, when China's Environmental Protection Culture Festival will kick off. Enditem