April, 1999

The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) gave its Global 500 Award to 17 people and organizations in recognition of their work to improve the environment.

On June 5, 1999, the winners of the award were recognized at an awards ceremony in Tokyo, Japan.  That day is the World Environment Day.

The UN Logo.  Image Credit: The United Nations.

"UNEP is indeed very proud to recognize the environmental achievements of this year's winners," says UNEP's executive director, Klaus Toepfer.

A teacher from Trinidad and Tobago who promoted environmental education was one of the winners.  From Brazil, a journalist who writes on the environment was awarded.

The All-China Women's Federation, which has over 120 million members, also received an award.

The Toyota Motor Corporation and a Japanese professor were awarded at the event.

Three businesspeople, one an entrepreneur in the hotel industry, another an Australian environmentalist, and the third a tourism executive who has promoted environmentally-friendly tourism, received recognition.

A Ghanian farmer was awarded for helping to protect the country's environment.

A non-governmental organization from Japan, a group of indigenous people from Russia, and an organization of elderly Americans also received awards.

Four awards were also given to youths.  Organizations from South Africa,  Japan, and Canada, and a magician from India, were all given awards.