Indonesia Launches National Theme For World Environmental

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The Indonesian government has coined a national theme for World Environment Day; "Green Economy: Change the Habit, Improve the Environment's Quality".

"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.(*/M038/T007)