Expatriates living in Shenzhen have shown great enthusiasm for environmental protection by registering for the Shenzhen Residents Environment Preservation Prize, an annual award sponsored by the municipal environmental protection bureau.

Since entries opened Dec. 23, many expatriates have contacted the Shenzhen Daily for information and some have already filled out application forms.

American Mark Wolf, a veteran marketing analyst, has always been active in public affairs.

“I once took part in a so-called Green Party, an environmental protection organization in New York City. What impressed me most was raising people’s awareness that anything happening in one region will affect the whole world,” he said. Wolf is involved in a project where organic green food is nurtured in a more healthy environment.

Briton Harry Walker, an engineer, has conducted extensive studies in fields such as alternative means of generating electricity, understanding tidal waves and how to capitalize on wind energy.

German Holger Kunz has already participated in a variety of programs in China to improve the environment such as energy-saving heating systems in hotels and office buildings and air-filtering facilities in crowded buildings.

While Wolf, Walker and Kunz are conducting research and consulting, Dawn Byers, from the United States, is contributing in other ways as a teaching coordinator. Although she has been in Shenzhen for only six months, she is quite comfortable with the city's environment. Realizing the importance of environmental protection awareness, Byers is trying to put more emphasis on environmental protection into her daily classes.

The competition will be judged on contributions that have been made to preserve the city’s environment and environment protection education as well as new suggestions. About 100 people have already registered for the competition. Applications close next Monday. Application forms can be downloaded from the Web site www.szepb.gov.cn. Expatriates can also contact the Shenzhen Daily for further information on 13798312384, 8351-8991 or 8351-8170.

(Shenzhen Daily January 6, 2005)