Media Release 7 September 2005

West Asia's cities and communities unite for a greener world

From West Asia's largest cities to the smallest communities, volunteers will take to their local streets, parks and beaches next weekend to clean up, fix up and promote green living in their community.

Thousands of volunteers in six West Asian countries are expected to take part in the annual Clean Up the World Weekend, celebrated globally on the 16th - 18th of September.

Held in conjunction with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Clean Up the World campaign, now in its thirteenth year, empowers over 35 million people in 110 countries to take simple, positive steps to improve and protect their environment each year.

"Our 2005 theme ‘Green Cities Green Communities' is encouraging people around the world to look at ways they can reduce their environmental impact across the areas of waste, water and energy. This is of particular importance in urban areas as 75% of the planet's natural resources are consumed in cities," said Ian Kiernan AO, Chairman and Founder of Clean Up the World.

In the Jordanian capital, hundreds of volunteers unified in CUW t-shirts and caps, will clean up the Dibeen National Park. The park is home to over 17 endangered species and one of the best remaining examples of natural pine-oak forest in the region.

Over 2,500 girl guides will clean up the beaches, parks and historical places around the 33 Bahrain islands situated in the Arabian Gulf.

Individuals, businesses, schools, government and community groups will unite to celebrate CUW and take part in a series of events across Dubai. The Dubai Creek, an important waterway in which 720,000 tonnes of cargo passes through each year, will be cleaned up and a ‘Green Cities Green Communities' photography exhibition has been organised to raise awareness.

"I encourage more groups to register as Members of Clean Up the World. Join us in creating greener cities and communities across the world," concluded Ian Kiernan.

Communities across West Asia are encouraged to register with Clean Up the World by visiting www.cleanuptheworld.org. Members receive information and materials to assist with the promotion and implementation of environmental activities.

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For more information please contact Clean Up the World on +61 29692 1207