THIRTY-EIGHT individuals and organisations have been nominated for the inaugural Jamaica Environmental Action Awards.

The brainchild of the ‘green’ lobby group Jamaica Environment Trust (JET), the JEAA is, among other things, intended to enhance public awareness as to the value of conservation while rewarding excellence in environmental protection by both individuals and/or groups.

“Involving young people in the planting of trees (for example) is a commitment to the future. JET is happy that Total Jamaica Limited, sponsor of the Trees for the Future Award and of the JEAA initiative, is contributing to replanting programmes and protecting Jamaica’s forests,” said Diana McCaulay, chief executive officer of JET.

The awards, which were announced to the public during the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica’s Earth Day celebrations at Hope Gardens and Zoo in Kingston, seek to reward excellence in environmental protection by both individuals and groups.

Among the 12 categories for which nominees will be vying are:

* Most Environmentally Aware School and Champion Environmental Teacher;

* Youth Excellence in Marine Conservation and Water Conservation;

* Sustainabale Agriculture and Energy Conservation;

* Waste Management and Wildlife Conservation;

* Youth Environmental Leadership for under-15 youths and under-21 youths; in addition to

* Trees for the Future and Best Environmental Community.

Nominations ended last Friday, May 21. The award ceremony is scheduled for the end of next month. Numbered among the sponsors are Total Jamaica, FirstCaribbean International Bank, the US Embassy, Jamaica Energy Partners, NCB Foundation, Nestlé, Jamaica Producers, Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica, Industrial Gases Limited, Wisynco, and the Digicel Foundation.