Environmental protection is everyone's responsibility, and so is recognition of a job well done.

Recognising those who are doing well will form an integral part of local events to mark International Environment Day, which falls on June 5.

The Department of Environment will issue congratulatory certificates from the government to those sections that have performed well on environmental issues, such as factories, schools and other organisations.

Director General of the Department of Environment, Dr Viengsavanh Douangsavanh, said activities to find new young Lao environmentalists would form an integral part of proceedings, with school-age children the target.

She said the department has collaborated with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Information and Culture, the Lao Revolutionary Youth Union, Lao Women's Union and private organisations to find ways to preserve Laos 's environment and reduce the pollution caused by economic activity.

“This year, we have developed many and various projects which will raise awareness of environmental issues among young people. We've also worked with district authorities about disposing of and limiting rubbish in Vientiane and the provinces,” Dr Viengsavanh said.

“To mark this important day, we've been holding celebrations and improved our work since 2000 on June 5 each year by making sure we achieve our targets.”

Evaluating current projects, seeking solutions for emerging problems and developing the next fiscal year plan will all play a part.

The department would also like to follow up on the 1-million tree strategic plan of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

It is expected the plan will be 70 percent complete by 2020.

The department will organise a painting contest in Vientiane on May 12.

More than 280 primary school students from 14 schools will take part. The most outstanding designs reflecting the themes of ‘green, clean and beautiful' will vie for victory in the contest.

“Our aim is to raise e nvironmental awareness among students. They are our main target for the future, so we want to teach them how they can care for the environment and reduce pollution, which is the main cause of climate change and global warming,” Dr Viengsavanh said.

The Department of Environment will also organise workshops to inform the public about the most recent climate changes and global warming information, and look for Lao people's solutions to local challenges.

“Organising these workshops is a successful way to transfer information and knowledge to the relevant sections, such as the workshops for teachers and students and for the press, which is the main way to get our message across,” she said.

“Today, I'm very happy that many sections have given importance to environmental issues, but the difficulty for us is utilising human resources, which is the main goal of this office.”

Just like environmental protection itself, the success of the day relies on several parties, she said.

“I'd like to thank the Lao government, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, International Monetary Fund and other organisations that have been supporting us from the beginning.”