An environmental and development contest for 2009-2010 was launched in Hanoi on June 3 in response to World Environment Day on June 5.

The contest, entitled “Adapting to Climate Change,” aims to raise awareness and understanding in the community, especially people living in coastal areas, about the environment and maritime pollution.

With support from international organisations through the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the contest aims to honour initiatives that are practical for protecting the environmental.

Entries need to be sent to the organising board from June 10, 2009 to April 30, 2010.

On the morning of June 3, Deputy Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Nguyen Van Duc presented the first prize for the 2008 Environment and Development Contest to an initiative on building an environmentally-friendly welfare network in rural areas.

The contests organising board also presented 18 other prizes to unique and feasible initiatives selected among almost 5,500 entries from individuals and groups nationwide./.