The UN Environment Program (UNEP) announced at the 6th World Conference on Sport and Environment in Nairobi, Kenya yesterday that it would be signing an agreement with the organizing committee of Beijing’s Olympics on November 18 to jointly promote environmental initiatives.

"The memorandum of understanding is aimed at helping Beijing with its ambitious proposals in areas ranging from air, water and noise pollution up to transport, landscaping and the disposal of solid wastes," said a UNEP statement.

The UNEP will also help with public awareness campaigns that it is hoped will leave a lasting legacy among citizens in Beijing and China generally on the importance of the environment for long lasting and enduring development, according to the statement.

"Without doubt, sports and sports men and women can be a power for good in the world inspiring by example and bringing together communities, nations and cultures in a common understanding of the principles of peace and fair play," said Klaus Toepfer, UNEP executive director.

The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) is taking measures to make the upcoming summer games "a crucial guide for environmentally-friendly mass spectator events everywhere over the coming years", added Toepfer.

Green Olympics, High-tech Olympics and People's Olympics are the three concepts the organizers are using to promote the 2008 Games in Beijing.

(Xinhua News Agency November 10, 2005)