"The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has designated `Green Economy: Does It Include You?` as the 2012 theme for World Environment Day, while nationally, we will focus on changing habits," Environmental Affairs Minister Balthasar Kambuaya said here on Thursday.
There are several definitions of a green economy, and in Indonesia it concerns a change of habits, because environmental problems are closely related to people`s behavior, he said.
"We also define a green economy as a way of improving the welfare of the people, while at the same time preserving the environment," the minister noted.
Balthasar invited Indonesians to use the momentum of World Environment Day to change their habits and encourage others to do the same.
World Environment Day will be inaugurated at Merdeka Palace on June 5, and will be marked by the presentation of the Adipura, Adiwiyata and Kalpataru awards by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
Also, an Environment Week exhibition will be held at the Jakarta Convention Center from June 7 to 14, Deputy Environmental Affairs Minister Ilyas Asaad said.
The UN Environment Programme defines a green economy as one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. In its simplest expression, a green economy can be thought of as one that is low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive.
(f001/INE)
Editor: Ella Syafputri
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
