Accra, Jan. 30, GNA - The National Environmental Reporting Awards Committee, on Tuesday opened nominations for individuals from all environmental related sectors to contest in this year's "Environmental Excellence Awards."

The Committee urged all heads of institutions and organizations to nominate an outstanding personality from their rank and file to compete in the contest, which is part of activities marking the World Environmental Day which falls on June 5, 2007.

A statement in Accra signed by Mr D.A. Nyankamawu, Chief Director of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment, said the criteria for assessment of nominees include, an environmental project or activity carried out between July 5 2005 to 1st July 2006, impact of such project or activity on target group; project's contribution to poverty reduction, project's contribution to the national development agenda of Ghana.

Entries would be accepted only from heads of recognized institutions on what has been done to contribute significantly to the promotion of the environment in Ghana, the statement said, emphasizing that self nominations for the contest would not be entertained.

All nominations should be submitted not later than Wednesday February 28, 2007 to:

The Director, Environment Sector, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment, P.O. Box M 232, Accra.