Safari Planet Earth Award 1997

Remarks of Madam Deng Nan

Vice Minister, State Science and Technology Commission, People's Republic of China
Upon Receiving The Safari Planet Earth Award
From Global Communications for Conservation, Inc.

New York City, December 10, 1997

Madam Utley, Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is a very special honor for me to receive this recognition from Safari Planet Earth. This is a memorable event in my life, and I thank all of you for it. I also need to thank many others in sustainable development whose encouragement, support, and forbearance have been so important for me over the years.

This award is about caring for the Earth and its people as we enter the 21^st Century. It is a recognition of the work which the Chinese Government and people have done for China's environment and sustainable development. But, the spirit of the award goes far beyond me to the international community of conservation and environmental workers who use their knowledge and skills to make the world a better and more compassionate place. Nowhere has that purpose seen more progress than in my own country.

Since the Earth Summit at Rio de Janeiro, China has taken steps to educate the public on the benefits of conservation and sustainability, the responsibility towards the environment, the accountability to the future generations, and the need for cooperative global action.

Sustainable development has now become both a household word and a basic national policy in China. I applaud the visionary leaders and people in China who took steps to make it happen. And, I take pride in having been a participant in that process.

I have served in pubic life for more than 20 years, but nothing has given me greater satisfaction than my involvement in putting together China's Agenda 21 as I was entrusted with leading the multi-agency effort. This was subsequently adopted by the central government as the guiding document of the country for addressing the challenges in population, environment, and development of the 21^st Century.

In accepting this prestigious award, I renew that pledge, to you, Madam Utley, to every distinguished guest, and indeed to all who care about out planet and aspire to a better world, that I will continue my efforts towards the goal of excellence in the environment and sustainable development.

May I take the opportunity of this auspicious occasion to congratulate Laura Utley and the GCC on their admirable accomplishments in wildlife preservation, in promoting global awareness of the importance of sustainable development, and in supporting conservation efforts around the world. I never cease to be amazed how often we find extremely busy men and women who are willing to lay aside every other pressing matter in order to give their time and energy to the cause of sustainable development. May it ever be so.

Thank you very much for the great honor you have bestowed on me.

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