For the fourth time during Earth Hour lights have been turned off in Latvia with heads of the government showing strong support for this event.
Earth Hour in Latvia is supported by State Parliament Saeima, Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis and State President Valdis Zatlers. “I have supported the ‘Earth Hour’ for several years now, because it offers a practical opportunity for every resident of this planet to switch off the lights for one hour, thus taking part in the pursuit of a common goal in terms of promoting green thinking and the sustainability of our planet. By taking an active part in this, as opposed to standing around the sidelines, we confirm that we are concerned about the climate changes that are occurring in our environment,” says President Valdis Zatlers.
The Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis encourages all the state and local authorities to participate in the Earth Hour. A list of suggestions of how to become more efficient and sustainable is publicized and authorities are strongly advised to implement different efficiency measures after the Earth Hour.
Also Saeima took part in Earth Hour by turning off the floodlights illuminating the façades of its buildings for one hour. This is the third year that the parliament is participating in this annual event. In order to save energy on a daily basis, the buildings of the parliament are illuminated economically by reducing the power and switching off the lights from night until early morning. Indoors the Saeima uses compact fluorescent light bulbs, or so-called energy-saving bulbs. That has cut expenditures for indoor lighting and floodlighting of façades by 40%. Inside the buildings of the Saeima, 45% of light bulbs have already been replaced by energy-saving ones.
In total, 38 cities and municipalities took part in Earth Hour 2011 in Latvia accompanied by many international and local companies and households. A number of local Earth Hour events were celebrated in different parts of Latvia in the form of acoustic concerts, gatherings of people in the main squares of different towns, chore concerts, among many other things.
___________
Information prepared by
Edīte Husare
Earth Hour project manager in Latvia
Pasaules Dabas Fonds (in association with WWF)
+37167505640, +37129509672
ehusare@pdf.lv
www.pdf.lv
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Irish Minister hails Earth Hour
The new Irish Minister for the environment hailed Earth Hour’s demonstration of the ‘widespread support for positive action’ at the Irish launch of Earth Hour in Dublin.
He called on the Irish public to show their support for Earth Hour’s ‘global effort to highlight environmental sustainability’ and urged governments, businesses and individuals to work together
Dublin’s Lord Mayor, Gerry Breen, committed Dublin to Earth Hour again this year. He said that ‘Dublin was the first city in Europe to support Earth Hour’, adding ‘I am proud to continue a tradition which shows the power of small nations, individuals and communities to come together and send a powerful message.’
‘In a year in which Dublin is twinning with Beijing, itself an ardent supporter of Earth Hour, it is particularly appropriate that Dublin plays its part in this international event’.
Duncan Stewart, RTE’s Eco-Eye presenter and environmentalist who is the Irish Ambassador for Earth Hour, says that ‘Earth Hour for me means that once a year for one hour we celebrate our environment – and the need to protect our environment. We should just switch off our lights, walk out of house – even for one minute – and communicate with everyone else on our streets – even in country areas – to show that we care about our environment.’
In Ireland Government buildings, Leinster House, the Custom House, and the Four Courts will go dark. Across the country, the Rock of Cashel, the most visited heritage site in Ireland, will be plunged into darkness for Earth Hour, as will Cahir Castle, Ormonde Castle, Carrick on Suir, Donegal Castle and Trim Castle in Co. Meath, the largest Anglo Norman castle in Ireland.
To demonstrate a global concern for the environment and global warming, six cyclists will power an open air cinema in Dublin.
In Northern Ireland, Stormont, the seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly, will host a lights-out ghost tour of the building.
Cork’s Blackrock Observatory will show a special screening of ‘The Pipe’, the documentary about the Shell to Sea Campaign.
On Kinsale beach there will be a child-friendly launch of sky lanterns to highlight the event.
Dublin’s Q102 FM Radio is giving away free pump torches to everyone with an idea for Earth Hour who calls the station.
Attending the launch were representatives of Ireland’s three main energy companies. Above: – John Campion (Executive Director of ESB Electric Ireland), Duncan Stewart, (environmentalist and Ireland's Earth Hour Ambassador for 2011), The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. Phil Hogan T.D., Larry Donald (Director of Group Corporate Affairs, Bord Gáis Energy) Tony Lowes, (Director of Friends of the Irish Environment, organisers of Earth Hour in Ireland for the World Wildlife Fund) and Jason Cooke, (Head of Communications, Airtricity)
“Earth Hour is a powerful symbolic initiative which demonstrates worldwide concern for our environment and widespread support for positive action. We all need to work together - Governments, businesses and individuals - to protect and improve our environment. I am happy that Ireland is again joining this global effort to highlight environmental sustainability and I call on the public to show your support on Saturday night.” Phil Hogan, Irish Minister for the Environment."
This year Earth Hour will begin with a moments silence to remember those killed by the recent disasters in Japan.
-ends-
Notes to editors
Earth Hour 2011 will take place at 8.30pm, Saturday, 26 March, 2011.
Images and video footage are available from the Earth Hour Global media centre: http://www.earthhour.org/mediasite/globalpressrelease.aspx
Interviews:
Friends of the Irish Environment
Tony Lowes, 027 74771 / 087 21763616 in Ireland
Irish Earth Hour page:
http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/?id=26
To interview Andy Ridley, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Earth Hour, please contact:
Jaya Myler, Earth Hour Global, Ph: +61 (0) 422 202 881, E: jaya@earthhour.org
Or the Earth Hour Global media team on Ph: +61 404 929 243, E: newsdesk@earthhour.org
About Earth Hour
Earth Hour is a global initiative in partnership with WWF. Individuals, businesses, governments and communities are invited to turn out their lights for one hour on Saturday March 26, 2011 at 8:30 PM to show their support for environmentally sustainable action. The event began in Sydney in 2007, through a partnership between WWF Australia, Leo Burnett and Fairfax Media, when 2 million people in one city switched off their lights. By 2010, Earth Hour had created history as the largest voluntary action ever witnessed with participation across 128 countries and territories and every continent, including the world’s most recognized man-made marvels and natural wonders in a landmark environmental action.
about WWF
WWF is one of the world's largest and most experienced independent conservation organizations, with over 5 million supporters and a global Network active in more than 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.
Tony Lowes, Director, Friends of the Irish Environment.
Tel & Fax: 353 (0)27 74771
MOBILE: 087 2176316
SKYPE tonylowes
TWITTER: tonylowes
Friends of the Irish Environment is a company limited by guarantee registered in Ireland.
Registered Office: Kilcatherine, Eyeries, Co Cork. Company No. 326985.
Directors: Caroline Lewis, Tony Lowes.
New Zealanders lead global Earth Hour community in annual ‘lights out for the planet’ event, and go beyond the hour
Tonight New Zealanders led the global Earth Hour ‘lights out for the planet event’, symbolically switching off lights at 8.30pm for one hour, to show their commitment to protecting the planet.
Wet conditions failed to dampen the enthusiasm for Earth Hour celebrations - from families in Geraldine taking part in an Earth Hour magical lantern walk, to Selwyn residents dimming the lights for an Earth Hour barn dance, through to revelers in Napier enjoying candle-lit celebrations in cafes and bars, New Zealanders came together to celebrate Earth Hour.
In the capital, Wellington’s Mayor Celia Wade Brown switched off lights for the Earth Hour event at the Carter Observatory. Speaking at the event, WWF-New Zealand Executive Director Chris Howe emphasized the collective power of the Earth Hour global movement: “When we take small actions as part of a global community, we can make a big difference and create a future where people live in harmony with nature,” he said.
In Auckland, the Sky Tower switched off lights, Hamilton’s Earth Hour revelers braved thunder and lightning to attend Earth Hour ‘lights out’ events at restaurants and bars, and people in Alexandra enjoyed music by candlelight in Centennial Park.
As New Zealand’s Earth Hour ended at 9.30pm, the lights went down in Fiji for Earth Hour, and the event’s domino journey around the world began. A record 134 territories and countries are set to take part in Earth Hour, according to the global coordinator of the initiative, WWF. This year, the emphasis of the campaign is focused strongly on what happens when the lights come back on:
“This year, Earth Hour’s global message is strongly focused on inspiring people to make a personal commitment to build on the momentum of Earth Hour and go ‘beyond the hour’,” said WWF-New Zealand Climate Change Campaigner Lee Barry.
“Through celebrating Earth Hour, people are pledging to take action in their own lives to protect our world – from using the car less to switching off lights when we don’t need them,” she said. “Earth Hour shows us that when our small individual planet-saving actions are taken on a global scale, they can make a world of difference.”
Beyond the Hour pledges from New Zealanders ranged from Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker making a pledge to buy a reusable coffee Keep Cup to reduce waste to Misti_NZ from Hamilton committing to ‘turn my backyard into a native oasis for the wildlife’.
Through its new Earth Hour Community Fund, WWF has supported five New Zealand councils and communities running Earth Hour events that engage and inspire people towards collective action on sustainable living – Central Otago, Hastings, Selwyn, Tauranga, and Upper Hutt. People in these regions have been taking part in Earth Hour events tonight and throughout the day, from a ‘Healthy Homes, Happy Pockets’ Earth Hour public seminar on energy efficiency, to communities in Alexandra learning to lighten their tread on the planet, including a session on the dark art of composting.
“New Zealanders are strong supporters of Earth Hour, with large proportions of the population taking part over the last three years. It’s clear Kiwis want action on climate change, and are prepared to take personal action to do their bit,” said Ms Barry. “WWF is committed to making sure the government also takes strong action on climate change, which will make living sustainably easier for everyone.”
-ends-
About Earth Hour
Earth Hour is a global initiative in partnership with WWF. Individuals, businesses, governments and communities are invited to turn out their lights for one hour on Saturday March 26, 2011 at 8:30 PM to show their support for environmentally sustainable action. The event began in Sydney in 2007, when 2 million people switched off their lights. By 2010, Earth Hour had created history as the largest voluntary action ever witnessed with participation across 128 countries and every continent, including the world’s most recognized man-made marvels and natural wonders in a landmark environmental action.
About WWF
WWF is one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost five million supporters and a global network active in more than 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.
Notes to editors
Earth Hour 2011 will take place at 8.30pm, Saturday, 26 March, 2011. A special Earth Hour ‘60+’ logo reflecting the call to go ‘beyond the hour’ in 2011 can be obtained in hi-res at the following link: http://www.divshare.com/direct/13222108-5e9.zip
Interviews:
To speak with the Earth Hour global team, or to add your name to the global media distribution list, please contact: Jaya Myler, Earth Hour Global, Ph: +61 (0) 422 202 881 E: jaya@earthhour.org
To contact the New Zealand Earth Hour community groups, or for WWF-New Zealand spokespeople, please contact Jenny Riches, WWF-New Zealand Communications & Marketing Manager M: 0274477158 or 04 4714288 or jriches@wwf.org.nz
Wet conditions failed to dampen the enthusiasm for Earth Hour celebrations - from families in Geraldine taking part in an Earth Hour magical lantern walk, to Selwyn residents dimming the lights for an Earth Hour barn dance, through to revelers in Napier enjoying candle-lit celebrations in cafes and bars, New Zealanders came together to celebrate Earth Hour.
In the capital, Wellington’s Mayor Celia Wade Brown switched off lights for the Earth Hour event at the Carter Observatory. Speaking at the event, WWF-New Zealand Executive Director Chris Howe emphasized the collective power of the Earth Hour global movement: “When we take small actions as part of a global community, we can make a big difference and create a future where people live in harmony with nature,” he said.
In Auckland, the Sky Tower switched off lights, Hamilton’s Earth Hour revelers braved thunder and lightning to attend Earth Hour ‘lights out’ events at restaurants and bars, and people in Alexandra enjoyed music by candlelight in Centennial Park.
As New Zealand’s Earth Hour ended at 9.30pm, the lights went down in Fiji for Earth Hour, and the event’s domino journey around the world began. A record 134 territories and countries are set to take part in Earth Hour, according to the global coordinator of the initiative, WWF. This year, the emphasis of the campaign is focused strongly on what happens when the lights come back on:
“This year, Earth Hour’s global message is strongly focused on inspiring people to make a personal commitment to build on the momentum of Earth Hour and go ‘beyond the hour’,” said WWF-New Zealand Climate Change Campaigner Lee Barry.
“Through celebrating Earth Hour, people are pledging to take action in their own lives to protect our world – from using the car less to switching off lights when we don’t need them,” she said. “Earth Hour shows us that when our small individual planet-saving actions are taken on a global scale, they can make a world of difference.”
Beyond the Hour pledges from New Zealanders ranged from Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker making a pledge to buy a reusable coffee Keep Cup to reduce waste to Misti_NZ from Hamilton committing to ‘turn my backyard into a native oasis for the wildlife’.
Through its new Earth Hour Community Fund, WWF has supported five New Zealand councils and communities running Earth Hour events that engage and inspire people towards collective action on sustainable living – Central Otago, Hastings, Selwyn, Tauranga, and Upper Hutt. People in these regions have been taking part in Earth Hour events tonight and throughout the day, from a ‘Healthy Homes, Happy Pockets’ Earth Hour public seminar on energy efficiency, to communities in Alexandra learning to lighten their tread on the planet, including a session on the dark art of composting.
“New Zealanders are strong supporters of Earth Hour, with large proportions of the population taking part over the last three years. It’s clear Kiwis want action on climate change, and are prepared to take personal action to do their bit,” said Ms Barry. “WWF is committed to making sure the government also takes strong action on climate change, which will make living sustainably easier for everyone.”
-ends-
About Earth Hour
Earth Hour is a global initiative in partnership with WWF. Individuals, businesses, governments and communities are invited to turn out their lights for one hour on Saturday March 26, 2011 at 8:30 PM to show their support for environmentally sustainable action. The event began in Sydney in 2007, when 2 million people switched off their lights. By 2010, Earth Hour had created history as the largest voluntary action ever witnessed with participation across 128 countries and every continent, including the world’s most recognized man-made marvels and natural wonders in a landmark environmental action.
About WWF
WWF is one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost five million supporters and a global network active in more than 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.
Notes to editors
Earth Hour 2011 will take place at 8.30pm, Saturday, 26 March, 2011. A special Earth Hour ‘60+’ logo reflecting the call to go ‘beyond the hour’ in 2011 can be obtained in hi-res at the following link: http://www.divshare.com/direct/13222108-5e9.zip
Interviews:
To speak with the Earth Hour global team, or to add your name to the global media distribution list, please contact: Jaya Myler, Earth Hour Global, Ph: +61 (0) 422 202 881 E: jaya@earthhour.org
To contact the New Zealand Earth Hour community groups, or for WWF-New Zealand spokespeople, please contact Jenny Riches, WWF-New Zealand Communications & Marketing Manager M: 0274477158 or 04 4714288 or jriches@wwf.org.nz
Friday, March 25, 2011
SUNWAY PYRAMID GOES GREEN IN LIGHT OF EARTH HOUR WITH WWF-MALAYSIA
Live Green: One Switch at a Time
The hour has come for Sunway Pyramid to take the lead and switch off all non-essential lights in support of Earth Hour. On March 26, millions of people across the globe will switch off their lights from 8.30pm to 9.30pm, 26 March 2011, collectively taking a stand against climate change, demonstrating that every individual counts in changing the course of a warming planet. Earth Hour started by WWF-Australia in 2007, has grown into the largest global movement for the environment led by the WWF network. This year, as the official venue sponsor, Sunway Pyramid partners with WWF- Malaysia.
“For Earth Hour 2011, WWF prepares to showcase a growing global community committed to taking environmental actions that go beyond the hour. From now until Earth Hour 2012, WWF-Malaysia is urging everyone across the nation to take Earth Hour beyond the hour by signing up at wwf.org.my and pledging to “Live Green: One switch at a time” towards more sustainable lifestyles. The more people who make this pledge, the more powerful our efforts to protect our living planet become,” said WWF-Malaysia Executive Director/CEO Dato’ Dr Dionysius Sharma.
“It is important for us to nurture the environment back to health,” said Sunway Pyramid CEO Mr. H.C. Chan. “because if the environment is sick, if Mother Nature is sick, it will eventually get back to us and make us sick too. In fact, it is already happening to us. This is a global affair. There are many illnesses and deaths caused by the polluted environment and our way of living.”
“This year is the first time we are working together with WWF-Malaysia and Sunway Pyramid is chosen as WWF-Malaysia’s venue sponsor. With this partnership, we hope to be able to provide a platform for WWF-Malaysia to reach out a vast number of our shoppers through the Earth Hour programme,” he added.
Earth Hour began with WWF Australia as a single-city initiative in 2007, Earth Hour has grown into a global movement where hundreds of millions of people from every continent join together to acknowledge the importance of protecting our planet – by switching off non-essential lights for one hour. Sunway Pyramid caught the Earth Hour fever in 2009 and adopted the green mission by accentuating the meaningful hour with various activities that will send the message home.
It was a full ‘green’ day at Sunway Pyramid leading up to Earth Hour. Outside the Orange Entrance, from 10am to 10pm, a WWF-Malaysia Bazaar added a splash of colour with 4 booths selling WWF T-shirts, reusable shopping bags, SMK Bandar Sunway’s handmade handicraft and Sunway Pyramid’s newly launched BYOB shopping trolley bags, sold for RM35 per unit.
Also at the WWF-Malaysia Bazaar, the public were treated to sneak previews of the “Dance in the Dark” for Earth Hour 2011 as well as appearances of the WWF panda mascot and Sunway Pyramid’s mascot Leo the Lion.
Throughout the mall, huge pledge boards were located strategically at all shopping mall levels, urging shoppers to pledge to switch off all non-essential lights during Earth Hour and to take small actions towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
When it was evening, outside the Main Entrance, Mr. H.C. Chan, Dato’ Dr Dionysius Sharma, celebrities, the media and the public gathered to witness the launch of Earth Hour. They did the countdown together and witnessed how the mall’s front façade, street lightings, the lion’s eyes, some outlets in the mall and at the Oasis Boulevard disappeared in darkness after Mr. H.C. Chan and Dato’ Dr Dionysius Sharma flicked the power switch, signifying the launch of Earth Hour.
Mr. H.C. Chan, Dato’ Dr Dionysius Sharma, celebrities RedFM deejay Jeremy Teo and Rina Omar, media and public then passed around candles and lit them up together. While the candle flames spread, members of the public joined the “Dance in the Dark” for Earth Hour 2011, led by dancers from WWF-Malaysia with support by students from local colleges. 60 dancers had glow-in-the-dark paint while the other participants had glow-in-the-dark arm bands. The dance steps had been uploaded on WWF-Malaysia’s facebook the week before to prepare the public for the event.
After that, the musical percussionists took the stage, playing methodical beats from recycled items such as plastic bottles, pots, pans, basins and plastic bags. This group of musicians are YAWA – Yayasan Anak Warisan Alam, comprising youths aged 10 to 18 years.
Before long, the flash mob dancers were back with their reprise of the “Dance in the Dark” for Earth Hour 2011, choreographed to the song, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” which was appropriate for Sunway Pyramid’s famous lions.
Quickly enough, the whole fun-tastic Earth Hour soon passed. Mr. H.C. Chan, Dato’ Dr Dionysius Sharma, the celebrities and the media took the stage and led another countdown to switch the lights back on. The crowd began counting again and at the count of zero, the lights at Sunway Pyramid façade, street lightings, some outlets in the mall, at Oasis Boulevard and the lion’s eyes lit up again.
The meaningful hour that passed us by has just demonstrated how possible it is for us to spend an hour having fun and saving electricity at the same time, helping to raise awareness about the importance of mitigating climate change. With this in mind, it is hoped that the participating crowd who have experienced this could carry on switching off all non-essential lights beyond Earth Hour.
The final show, a wayang kulit (or shadow puppet play) wrapped up Earth Hour and sent the green message home. Themed ‘Empty Earth’, the wayang kulit was performed by Tree Theatre Group, a group comprising parents and children who actively voice out environmental issues through creative expressions and have performed all over the world. The ‘Empty Earth’ features UNEP Billion Tree Campaign song ‘Tears of Trees’ and ‘Heal Our World’, subtly reminding us of our responsibility towards our planet.
Prior to Earth Hour, other environmentally-friendly highlights including a display of an Electrolux vacuum cleaner made of sea waste coming all the way from Sweden (16 – 20 Mar) and Malaysia’s first Eco-themed Home and Living Expo located at Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre (18 – 20 Mar), made its mark at the mall.
The BYOB trolley bags featured during Earth Hour at the WWF Bazaar can also be purchased for RM30 when shoppers spend a minimum of RM50 in two accumulated receipts or less or purchased off-the-shelf for RM35 at the BYOB Redemption Counter located at the Ground Floor during the Malaysia GP Sale.
Other green initiatives by Sunway Pyramid besides Earth Hour and BYOB trolley bags include the ‘Go Green with Leo’ programme running from 29 March to 27 July 2011 where Sunway Pyramid mascot, Leo the Lion will visit five kindergartens to instil the value of green living by teaching children everyday green habits.
The Sunway Integrated Resort City (SIRC) is a testament to the entrenched values of the Sunway brand - excellence, innovation and integrity. Touted to be the most innovative and progressive development in Malaysia today, SIRC offers a multitude of services ranging from the best in education, hospitality, healthcare, entertainment, commercial spaces and exclusive resort-style homes. SIRC is a promise of unyielding quality and an investment for the future.
About WWF-Malaysia
WWF-Malaysia (World Wide Fund for Nature-Malaysia), the national conservation trust, currently runs more than 75 projects covering a diverse range of environmental protection work. Since 1972, WWF-Malaysia has worked on important conservation projects, from saving endangered species such as tigers and turtles, to protecting our highland forests, rivers and seas. We also undertake environmental education and advocacy work to achieve conservation goals. By conserving our natural resources, WWF-Malaysia is helping to protect our livelihoods, food and water supply, thus securing our good quality of life and our children’s bright future. We thank our supporters whose donations enable our conservation work. If you would like to donate to WWF-Malaysia or learn more about our projects, please call: +603-78033772 or visit our website at: wwf.org.my. WWF-Malaysia thanks Earth Hour official venue sponsor Sunway Pyramid and Shinjiru for developing the Earth Hour web pages.
RSVP or Media Enquiries, please contact:
Mr Darren Chear
Marketing Communications Manager
Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall
DID: 03-7494 3037
Fax: 03-7492 6333
Email: darrenc@sunway.com.my
Ms Sabrina Koh
Media and Public Affairs Assistant
WWF - Malaysia
DID: 03-7803 3772 ext 6306
Fax: 03-7803 5157
Email: EHuey@wwf.org.my
Ms Elycia Lee Su Yen
Marketing Communications Executive
Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall
DID: 03-7494 3034
Fax: 03-7492 6333
Email: elycialsy@sunway.com.my
The hour has come for Sunway Pyramid to take the lead and switch off all non-essential lights in support of Earth Hour. On March 26, millions of people across the globe will switch off their lights from 8.30pm to 9.30pm, 26 March 2011, collectively taking a stand against climate change, demonstrating that every individual counts in changing the course of a warming planet. Earth Hour started by WWF-Australia in 2007, has grown into the largest global movement for the environment led by the WWF network. This year, as the official venue sponsor, Sunway Pyramid partners with WWF- Malaysia.
“For Earth Hour 2011, WWF prepares to showcase a growing global community committed to taking environmental actions that go beyond the hour. From now until Earth Hour 2012, WWF-Malaysia is urging everyone across the nation to take Earth Hour beyond the hour by signing up at wwf.org.my and pledging to “Live Green: One switch at a time” towards more sustainable lifestyles. The more people who make this pledge, the more powerful our efforts to protect our living planet become,” said WWF-Malaysia Executive Director/CEO Dato’ Dr Dionysius Sharma.
“It is important for us to nurture the environment back to health,” said Sunway Pyramid CEO Mr. H.C. Chan. “because if the environment is sick, if Mother Nature is sick, it will eventually get back to us and make us sick too. In fact, it is already happening to us. This is a global affair. There are many illnesses and deaths caused by the polluted environment and our way of living.”
“This year is the first time we are working together with WWF-Malaysia and Sunway Pyramid is chosen as WWF-Malaysia’s venue sponsor. With this partnership, we hope to be able to provide a platform for WWF-Malaysia to reach out a vast number of our shoppers through the Earth Hour programme,” he added.
Earth Hour began with WWF Australia as a single-city initiative in 2007, Earth Hour has grown into a global movement where hundreds of millions of people from every continent join together to acknowledge the importance of protecting our planet – by switching off non-essential lights for one hour. Sunway Pyramid caught the Earth Hour fever in 2009 and adopted the green mission by accentuating the meaningful hour with various activities that will send the message home.
It was a full ‘green’ day at Sunway Pyramid leading up to Earth Hour. Outside the Orange Entrance, from 10am to 10pm, a WWF-Malaysia Bazaar added a splash of colour with 4 booths selling WWF T-shirts, reusable shopping bags, SMK Bandar Sunway’s handmade handicraft and Sunway Pyramid’s newly launched BYOB shopping trolley bags, sold for RM35 per unit.
Also at the WWF-Malaysia Bazaar, the public were treated to sneak previews of the “Dance in the Dark” for Earth Hour 2011 as well as appearances of the WWF panda mascot and Sunway Pyramid’s mascot Leo the Lion.
Throughout the mall, huge pledge boards were located strategically at all shopping mall levels, urging shoppers to pledge to switch off all non-essential lights during Earth Hour and to take small actions towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
When it was evening, outside the Main Entrance, Mr. H.C. Chan, Dato’ Dr Dionysius Sharma, celebrities, the media and the public gathered to witness the launch of Earth Hour. They did the countdown together and witnessed how the mall’s front façade, street lightings, the lion’s eyes, some outlets in the mall and at the Oasis Boulevard disappeared in darkness after Mr. H.C. Chan and Dato’ Dr Dionysius Sharma flicked the power switch, signifying the launch of Earth Hour.
Mr. H.C. Chan, Dato’ Dr Dionysius Sharma, celebrities RedFM deejay Jeremy Teo and Rina Omar, media and public then passed around candles and lit them up together. While the candle flames spread, members of the public joined the “Dance in the Dark” for Earth Hour 2011, led by dancers from WWF-Malaysia with support by students from local colleges. 60 dancers had glow-in-the-dark paint while the other participants had glow-in-the-dark arm bands. The dance steps had been uploaded on WWF-Malaysia’s facebook the week before to prepare the public for the event.
After that, the musical percussionists took the stage, playing methodical beats from recycled items such as plastic bottles, pots, pans, basins and plastic bags. This group of musicians are YAWA – Yayasan Anak Warisan Alam, comprising youths aged 10 to 18 years.
Before long, the flash mob dancers were back with their reprise of the “Dance in the Dark” for Earth Hour 2011, choreographed to the song, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” which was appropriate for Sunway Pyramid’s famous lions.
Quickly enough, the whole fun-tastic Earth Hour soon passed. Mr. H.C. Chan, Dato’ Dr Dionysius Sharma, the celebrities and the media took the stage and led another countdown to switch the lights back on. The crowd began counting again and at the count of zero, the lights at Sunway Pyramid façade, street lightings, some outlets in the mall, at Oasis Boulevard and the lion’s eyes lit up again.
The meaningful hour that passed us by has just demonstrated how possible it is for us to spend an hour having fun and saving electricity at the same time, helping to raise awareness about the importance of mitigating climate change. With this in mind, it is hoped that the participating crowd who have experienced this could carry on switching off all non-essential lights beyond Earth Hour.
The final show, a wayang kulit (or shadow puppet play) wrapped up Earth Hour and sent the green message home. Themed ‘Empty Earth’, the wayang kulit was performed by Tree Theatre Group, a group comprising parents and children who actively voice out environmental issues through creative expressions and have performed all over the world. The ‘Empty Earth’ features UNEP Billion Tree Campaign song ‘Tears of Trees’ and ‘Heal Our World’, subtly reminding us of our responsibility towards our planet.
Prior to Earth Hour, other environmentally-friendly highlights including a display of an Electrolux vacuum cleaner made of sea waste coming all the way from Sweden (16 – 20 Mar) and Malaysia’s first Eco-themed Home and Living Expo located at Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre (18 – 20 Mar), made its mark at the mall.
The BYOB trolley bags featured during Earth Hour at the WWF Bazaar can also be purchased for RM30 when shoppers spend a minimum of RM50 in two accumulated receipts or less or purchased off-the-shelf for RM35 at the BYOB Redemption Counter located at the Ground Floor during the Malaysia GP Sale.
Other green initiatives by Sunway Pyramid besides Earth Hour and BYOB trolley bags include the ‘Go Green with Leo’ programme running from 29 March to 27 July 2011 where Sunway Pyramid mascot, Leo the Lion will visit five kindergartens to instil the value of green living by teaching children everyday green habits.
The Sunway Integrated Resort City (SIRC) is a testament to the entrenched values of the Sunway brand - excellence, innovation and integrity. Touted to be the most innovative and progressive development in Malaysia today, SIRC offers a multitude of services ranging from the best in education, hospitality, healthcare, entertainment, commercial spaces and exclusive resort-style homes. SIRC is a promise of unyielding quality and an investment for the future.
About WWF-Malaysia
WWF-Malaysia (World Wide Fund for Nature-Malaysia), the national conservation trust, currently runs more than 75 projects covering a diverse range of environmental protection work. Since 1972, WWF-Malaysia has worked on important conservation projects, from saving endangered species such as tigers and turtles, to protecting our highland forests, rivers and seas. We also undertake environmental education and advocacy work to achieve conservation goals. By conserving our natural resources, WWF-Malaysia is helping to protect our livelihoods, food and water supply, thus securing our good quality of life and our children’s bright future. We thank our supporters whose donations enable our conservation work. If you would like to donate to WWF-Malaysia or learn more about our projects, please call: +603-78033772 or visit our website at: wwf.org.my. WWF-Malaysia thanks Earth Hour official venue sponsor Sunway Pyramid and Shinjiru for developing the Earth Hour web pages.
RSVP or Media Enquiries, please contact:
Mr Darren Chear
Marketing Communications Manager
Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall
DID: 03-7494 3037
Fax: 03-7492 6333
Email: darrenc@sunway.com.my
Ms Sabrina Koh
Media and Public Affairs Assistant
WWF - Malaysia
DID: 03-7803 3772 ext 6306
Fax: 03-7803 5157
Email: EHuey@wwf.org.my
Ms Elycia Lee Su Yen
Marketing Communications Executive
Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall
DID: 03-7494 3034
Fax: 03-7492 6333
Email: elycialsy@sunway.com.my
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Mr Tep Rindaro supports Earth Hour 2011 as Cambodia's ambassador
Mr Tep Rindaro, Cambodia’s most famous actor, has committed to switching off the lights for Earth Hour, using his profile to promote Earth Hour and encourage Cambodian people to participate, and to taking action for the planet.
Starting his career in the 1980s, Mr Rindaro is a legendary actor and one of the most famous faces in the country’s film industry. Aside from his work as a movie star and businessman, Mr Rindaro uses his profile to influence Cambodian people to make a positive difference for the planet earth. This year, he joins forces with WWF’s Earth Hour team to encourage people across Cambodia to come together on 26 March with common purpose to protect the one thing we all have in common – the
planet.
“Each of us has a responsibility for the sustainability of our planet and each of us can make a difference,” he said. “I am pleased to become Cambodian Ambassador for Earth Hour this year and I personally will be participating in Earth Hour on 26 March 2011, and will continue to adopt sustainability practices thereafter in my everyday life.”
Earth Hour is the world’s biggest civil action on climate change. As normal citizens, businesses, communities, associations, civil societies, NGOs, you can take action to protect the planet earth.
“Every individual has the power to achieve change in their daily lives,” said Mr Seng Teak, WWF Country Director in Cambodia. “Mr Tep Rindaro’s commitment to switching off the lights for Earth Hour, and go beyond the hour to take lasting action, is a great example of how we can all make changes that will have a positive impact on our planet.”
Earth Hour is the world’s largest environmental awareness campaign. In 2010, hundreds of millions of people, in 128 countries and territories across the world, took part in Earth Hour. This year, Earth Hour asks people to commit to an action, big or small, that they will sustain for the future of our planet, when they switch off the lights for one hour at 8:30pm Saturday 26 March.
On the countdown to earth hour on Saturday 26 March, over 60 businesses in the capital of Phnom Penh will turn off their lights for one hour. This one hour lights switch-off will celebrate their symbolic action that they take to preserve their environment.
To join the rest of the world in protecting the earth, Cambodian people across the country, citizens of Phnom Penh, households, associations, private groups, civil societies, NGOs as well as government agencies are invited to take action on climate change by turning off their lights for one hour on this Saturday 26 March at 8.30pm.
What you can do for the planet earth starts with:
1. Joining Earth Hour lights switch-off on 26 March at 8.30pm and spread the word about earth hour to friends, families and colleagues.
2. Continuing to take action in your everyday life to sustain our planet earth.
Tep Rindaro, is a legendary actor and one of the most famous faces in the country’s film industry
For more details, contact:
Tep Asnarith (Mr)
Press Office
WWF-Greater Mekong
Cambodia Country Programme Office
Tel: +855 (0) 23 218 034
Email: asnarith.tep@wwf.panda.org
Websites: www.cambodia.panda.org/earthhour , www.facebook.com/wwfcambodia ,
http://www.earthhour.org/
Notes to the editor:
• Over 60 businesses in the capital of Phnom Penh have committed to switching off their lights for one hour on (this) Saturday, 26 March, 2011 at 8.30pm. Below are some of the business names who signed up to switch off for Earth Hour 2011:
1. Amanjaya Pancam Hotel
2. K-West Restaurant
3. Le Moon Terrace
4. Cambodiana Hotel
5. Imperial Garden Villa and Hotel
6. Shopping Center Sorya
7. Sunway Hotel Phnom Penh
8. Himawari Hotel Apartments
9. Sovanna Shopping Center
10. Intercontinental Hotel
11. The Pizza Company
12. La Croisette Restaurant
13. The Riverhouse Lounge
14. The Riverhouse Bistro
15. Taboo Restaurant
16. Khmer Borane Restaurant
17. Pop Cafe
18. Vieyo Tonle Restaurant
19. Camory Bakery and Cafe
20. Khmersaravan Restaurant
21. Happy Herb Pizza
22. Elmundo Restaurant
23. Chill Restaurant
24. Riverview Guesthouse
25. King’s Court Restaurant
26. Phnom Penh Indian Restaurant
27. P&K Restaurant
28. V-Silk Shop
29. Bopha Phnom Penh and Titanic
Restaurant
30. Sinh Foo Restaurant
31. Tutti Fruit Frozen Yogurt
32. Raffles Hotel Le Royal (Phnom Penh)
33. Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor (Siem
Reap province)
34. Bougainvillier Hotel
35. The Quay Hotel
36. Chow Restaurant
37. Foreign Correspondents Club (FCC)
38. Cafe Fresco
39. Kandal House Restaurant
40. Cafe Metro
41. Le Quay Cake Cafe
42. Anjali Restaurant
43. Riverstar Hotel
44. Karma Restaurant
45. Garden Bar
46. River Street Restaurant
47. Cantina Restaurant
48. Pink Elephant Pub
49. Mekong River Restaurant
50. Cozyna Hotel Phnom Penh
51. Only You Minimart
52. 9 Movie World
53. Reak Ray Beverage Minimart
54. Java Cafe and Gallery
55. Circa 51 Hotel
• Earth Hour is a global initiative in partnership with WWF. Today, it is the world’s largest civil action on climate change ever witnessed. Earth Hour 2011 will take place at 8.30pm, Saturday, 26 March, 2011.
• Earth Hour was first conducted in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, when 2.2 million people and 2000 businesses turned off their lights for one hour. In 2010 hundreds of millions of people, in 128 countries and territories across the world, took part in Earth Hour. Earth Hour 2011 will see hundreds of millions of people in cities, towns and municipalities across every continent, turning off lights for one designated hour to celebrate the positive actions they are taking for the planet.
Starting his career in the 1980s, Mr Rindaro is a legendary actor and one of the most famous faces in the country’s film industry. Aside from his work as a movie star and businessman, Mr Rindaro uses his profile to influence Cambodian people to make a positive difference for the planet earth. This year, he joins forces with WWF’s Earth Hour team to encourage people across Cambodia to come together on 26 March with common purpose to protect the one thing we all have in common – the
planet.
“Each of us has a responsibility for the sustainability of our planet and each of us can make a difference,” he said. “I am pleased to become Cambodian Ambassador for Earth Hour this year and I personally will be participating in Earth Hour on 26 March 2011, and will continue to adopt sustainability practices thereafter in my everyday life.”
Earth Hour is the world’s biggest civil action on climate change. As normal citizens, businesses, communities, associations, civil societies, NGOs, you can take action to protect the planet earth.
“Every individual has the power to achieve change in their daily lives,” said Mr Seng Teak, WWF Country Director in Cambodia. “Mr Tep Rindaro’s commitment to switching off the lights for Earth Hour, and go beyond the hour to take lasting action, is a great example of how we can all make changes that will have a positive impact on our planet.”
Earth Hour is the world’s largest environmental awareness campaign. In 2010, hundreds of millions of people, in 128 countries and territories across the world, took part in Earth Hour. This year, Earth Hour asks people to commit to an action, big or small, that they will sustain for the future of our planet, when they switch off the lights for one hour at 8:30pm Saturday 26 March.
On the countdown to earth hour on Saturday 26 March, over 60 businesses in the capital of Phnom Penh will turn off their lights for one hour. This one hour lights switch-off will celebrate their symbolic action that they take to preserve their environment.
To join the rest of the world in protecting the earth, Cambodian people across the country, citizens of Phnom Penh, households, associations, private groups, civil societies, NGOs as well as government agencies are invited to take action on climate change by turning off their lights for one hour on this Saturday 26 March at 8.30pm.
What you can do for the planet earth starts with:
1. Joining Earth Hour lights switch-off on 26 March at 8.30pm and spread the word about earth hour to friends, families and colleagues.
2. Continuing to take action in your everyday life to sustain our planet earth.
Tep Rindaro, is a legendary actor and one of the most famous faces in the country’s film industry
For more details, contact:
Tep Asnarith (Mr)
Press Office
WWF-Greater Mekong
Cambodia Country Programme Office
Tel: +855 (0) 23 218 034
Email: asnarith.tep@wwf.panda.org
Websites: www.cambodia.panda.org/earthhour , www.facebook.com/wwfcambodia ,
http://www.earthhour.org/
Notes to the editor:
• Over 60 businesses in the capital of Phnom Penh have committed to switching off their lights for one hour on (this) Saturday, 26 March, 2011 at 8.30pm. Below are some of the business names who signed up to switch off for Earth Hour 2011:
1. Amanjaya Pancam Hotel
2. K-West Restaurant
3. Le Moon Terrace
4. Cambodiana Hotel
5. Imperial Garden Villa and Hotel
6. Shopping Center Sorya
7. Sunway Hotel Phnom Penh
8. Himawari Hotel Apartments
9. Sovanna Shopping Center
10. Intercontinental Hotel
11. The Pizza Company
12. La Croisette Restaurant
13. The Riverhouse Lounge
14. The Riverhouse Bistro
15. Taboo Restaurant
16. Khmer Borane Restaurant
17. Pop Cafe
18. Vieyo Tonle Restaurant
19. Camory Bakery and Cafe
20. Khmersaravan Restaurant
21. Happy Herb Pizza
22. Elmundo Restaurant
23. Chill Restaurant
24. Riverview Guesthouse
25. King’s Court Restaurant
26. Phnom Penh Indian Restaurant
27. P&K Restaurant
28. V-Silk Shop
29. Bopha Phnom Penh and Titanic
Restaurant
30. Sinh Foo Restaurant
31. Tutti Fruit Frozen Yogurt
32. Raffles Hotel Le Royal (Phnom Penh)
33. Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor (Siem
Reap province)
34. Bougainvillier Hotel
35. The Quay Hotel
36. Chow Restaurant
37. Foreign Correspondents Club (FCC)
38. Cafe Fresco
39. Kandal House Restaurant
40. Cafe Metro
41. Le Quay Cake Cafe
42. Anjali Restaurant
43. Riverstar Hotel
44. Karma Restaurant
45. Garden Bar
46. River Street Restaurant
47. Cantina Restaurant
48. Pink Elephant Pub
49. Mekong River Restaurant
50. Cozyna Hotel Phnom Penh
51. Only You Minimart
52. 9 Movie World
53. Reak Ray Beverage Minimart
54. Java Cafe and Gallery
55. Circa 51 Hotel
• Earth Hour is a global initiative in partnership with WWF. Today, it is the world’s largest civil action on climate change ever witnessed. Earth Hour 2011 will take place at 8.30pm, Saturday, 26 March, 2011.
• Earth Hour was first conducted in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, when 2.2 million people and 2000 businesses turned off their lights for one hour. In 2010 hundreds of millions of people, in 128 countries and territories across the world, took part in Earth Hour. Earth Hour 2011 will see hundreds of millions of people in cities, towns and municipalities across every continent, turning off lights for one designated hour to celebrate the positive actions they are taking for the planet.
WWF Announces Official Chinese-Language Theme Song of Earth Hour 2011
BEIJING, March 17, 2011 – WWF today announced the launch of the official Chinese-language theme song of Earth Hour 2011: “Turn off the Light”, written and performed by Chinese musical duo and WWF Earth Hour China Ambassadors Yu Quan.
The melodic soft pop song urges governments, businesses and individuals everywhere to “Turn off the light; let’s make the change” by creating resonating mental images of the beauty of the planet, and the beauty within people when they protect the planet.
“It is a new experience for WWF to be able to communicate the messages of Earth Hour, of turning off lights and making one change for the planet, through song,” said Jim Gradoville, CEO, WWF China. “I am glad this experience comes through Yu Quan’s ‘Turn off the Light’. It is simply a beautiful song, which we’ll be playing often in my home.”
Hai Quan, one-half of the musical duo, said: “It was a privilege to write ‘Turn off the Light’ for WWF’s Earth Hour campaign. The song comes from the heart. Our lyrics mention polar bears, and your heart lighting up when you help the Earth because those are things we think about and have experienced. We care deeply about the environment, and as musicians, one of the best ways we can protect it is through our craft’s ability to reach and touch people.”
Yu Quan are keeping true to their lyrics to “make the change” in their personal lives by pledging to buy carbon offsets for tour-related air travel and to bring reusable tableware to all performances, rather than using disposable tableware.
Yu Quan are joined in the Earth Hour movement this year by a diverse cast of ambassadors. In China, these include WWF Earth Hour Global Ambassador Li Bingbing and WWF Earth Hour China Ambassador Li Yichun – who with her staff will stop using disposable products where possible, such as in dining and shopping.
Further, actress Wang Luodan; singer Fish Leong; and Happy Camp television hosts He Jiong, Li Weijia and Wu Xin; and Beijing Olympic champion Zhong Man have produced videos sharing their “one change” for the planet, and encouraging everyone to take part in Earth Hour.
Supplemental Information:
1. The official Chinese-language theme song of Earth Hour 2011 – “Turn off the Light” – will be available at the Earth Hour China website starting March 18.
2. Videos of Earth Hour celebrity supporters in China are available at: http://u.youku.com/user_show/id_UMTEwNTQ3NDE2.html
The melodic soft pop song urges governments, businesses and individuals everywhere to “Turn off the light; let’s make the change” by creating resonating mental images of the beauty of the planet, and the beauty within people when they protect the planet.
“It is a new experience for WWF to be able to communicate the messages of Earth Hour, of turning off lights and making one change for the planet, through song,” said Jim Gradoville, CEO, WWF China. “I am glad this experience comes through Yu Quan’s ‘Turn off the Light’. It is simply a beautiful song, which we’ll be playing often in my home.”
Hai Quan, one-half of the musical duo, said: “It was a privilege to write ‘Turn off the Light’ for WWF’s Earth Hour campaign. The song comes from the heart. Our lyrics mention polar bears, and your heart lighting up when you help the Earth because those are things we think about and have experienced. We care deeply about the environment, and as musicians, one of the best ways we can protect it is through our craft’s ability to reach and touch people.”
Yu Quan are keeping true to their lyrics to “make the change” in their personal lives by pledging to buy carbon offsets for tour-related air travel and to bring reusable tableware to all performances, rather than using disposable tableware.
Yu Quan are joined in the Earth Hour movement this year by a diverse cast of ambassadors. In China, these include WWF Earth Hour Global Ambassador Li Bingbing and WWF Earth Hour China Ambassador Li Yichun – who with her staff will stop using disposable products where possible, such as in dining and shopping.
Further, actress Wang Luodan; singer Fish Leong; and Happy Camp television hosts He Jiong, Li Weijia and Wu Xin; and Beijing Olympic champion Zhong Man have produced videos sharing their “one change” for the planet, and encouraging everyone to take part in Earth Hour.
Supplemental Information:
1. The official Chinese-language theme song of Earth Hour 2011 – “Turn off the Light” – will be available at the Earth Hour China website starting March 18.
2. Videos of Earth Hour celebrity supporters in China are available at: http://u.youku.com/user_show/id_UMTEwNTQ3NDE2.html
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Earth Hour in Jordan
14 March 2011: when the world unites to celebrate environmental actions that go beyond the hour
The Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association (JITOA) launch “turn off the light” Earth Hour awareness campaign in Jordan under its tourism environmental initiative “Don’t mess with Nature” to spread awareness and take a stand against climate change. JITOA has been appointed as the Main Contact Party in Jordan for the Earth Hour/ "World Wildlife Fund" WWF. Jordan will participate officially for the first time along with many other countries around the world.
This campaign calls for Jordanian official entities, companies and individuals to “turn off the light” for one hour at 8.30pm on Saturday 26 March 2011, to take part in this global celebration to encourage a commitment towards the environment in solidarity to unite and work together against climate change that inspires real solutions to our environmental challenges.
“Turn off the light” campaign covers all parts of the kingdom for introducing participants to the global Earth Hour concept, and registers them officially to share and post their news, activities and photos on the official website and setting Jordan on the map.
Under this campaign JITOA aims to increase the environmental awareness in Jordan and involve the tourism and hospitality sector in global actions in order to boost the kingdom’s environmental profile and promote Jordan as an eco-destination by contributing in the global call against the various effects of climate change on the planet. The tourism sector one of the leading sectors in Jordan that have a great interest in environmental awareness with regard to environmental global challenges and factors, and interested in participating in such global initiatives to fulfill their commitment to sustainable environmental development. JITOA also will take photos of different sites and landmarks in the Kingdom before and after Earth Hour and post it online.
This campaign is supported by Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and Ministry of Environment, and sponsored by the HSBC Bank Middle East Limited - Jordan, and the media partners are Al Ghad Newspaper, Sunny 105.1fm, Play 99.6fm, Version 93.7fm, Ijazza Mobile applications, Jordan Travel &Tourism Guide and Dilloona.com guide .
The campaign also received significant interest from several private companies in the tourism and hospitality sector, and others, registered companies so far are; Creative Tours, Feynan Ecolodge, Four Seasons Hotel Amman, Sheraton Amman Hotel, Kempinski Hotel Amman, Le Meridian Amman Hotel, Le Royal Hotels and Resorts Amman , Movenpick Resort & Residence Aqaba, Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea, Landmark Hotel, Toledo Hotel, IUCN Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA), the Royal Society of Conservation of Nature (RSCN)/Wild Jordan, Green Echo organization, the Royal Automobile Museum, Central Trade & Auto Co. (Al- Markazia Toyota), Deyafeh for Consultancy and Recruitment, Sama natural mineral Water, Full Cup Café , Cups and Kilos, Blue fig Café’ and Turtle Green Tea Bar .
-END-
About JITOA
The Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association is a voluntary-membership organization comprised of active tour operator members and associate members (including hotels and hotel chains, Event Management Companies, NGO’s, Buss Companies, educators, tour guides and others) with an interest in improving the quality of the visitor’s experience in Jordan. JITOA and its membership are actively committed to raising the standards of the industry as a whole through the spread of Codes of Conduct, a Code of Ethics and by providing continuing education and advocacy support to the industry.
About Earth Hour
Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change. Only a year later and Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries participating. Global landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, CN Tower in Toronto, Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and Rome’s Colosseum, all stood in darkness, as symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the hour. In March 2009, hundreds of millions of people took part in the third Earth Hour. Over 4000 cities in 88 countries officially switched off to pledge their support for the planet, making Earth Hour 2009 the world’s largest global climate change initiative. www.earthhour.org
The Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association (JITOA) launch “turn off the light” Earth Hour awareness campaign in Jordan under its tourism environmental initiative “Don’t mess with Nature” to spread awareness and take a stand against climate change. JITOA has been appointed as the Main Contact Party in Jordan for the Earth Hour/ "World Wildlife Fund" WWF. Jordan will participate officially for the first time along with many other countries around the world.
This campaign calls for Jordanian official entities, companies and individuals to “turn off the light” for one hour at 8.30pm on Saturday 26 March 2011, to take part in this global celebration to encourage a commitment towards the environment in solidarity to unite and work together against climate change that inspires real solutions to our environmental challenges.
“Turn off the light” campaign covers all parts of the kingdom for introducing participants to the global Earth Hour concept, and registers them officially to share and post their news, activities and photos on the official website and setting Jordan on the map.
Under this campaign JITOA aims to increase the environmental awareness in Jordan and involve the tourism and hospitality sector in global actions in order to boost the kingdom’s environmental profile and promote Jordan as an eco-destination by contributing in the global call against the various effects of climate change on the planet. The tourism sector one of the leading sectors in Jordan that have a great interest in environmental awareness with regard to environmental global challenges and factors, and interested in participating in such global initiatives to fulfill their commitment to sustainable environmental development. JITOA also will take photos of different sites and landmarks in the Kingdom before and after Earth Hour and post it online.
This campaign is supported by Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and Ministry of Environment, and sponsored by the HSBC Bank Middle East Limited - Jordan, and the media partners are Al Ghad Newspaper, Sunny 105.1fm, Play 99.6fm, Version 93.7fm, Ijazza Mobile applications, Jordan Travel &Tourism Guide and Dilloona.com guide .
The campaign also received significant interest from several private companies in the tourism and hospitality sector, and others, registered companies so far are; Creative Tours, Feynan Ecolodge, Four Seasons Hotel Amman, Sheraton Amman Hotel, Kempinski Hotel Amman, Le Meridian Amman Hotel, Le Royal Hotels and Resorts Amman , Movenpick Resort & Residence Aqaba, Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea, Landmark Hotel, Toledo Hotel, IUCN Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA), the Royal Society of Conservation of Nature (RSCN)/Wild Jordan, Green Echo organization, the Royal Automobile Museum, Central Trade & Auto Co. (Al- Markazia Toyota), Deyafeh for Consultancy and Recruitment, Sama natural mineral Water, Full Cup Café , Cups and Kilos, Blue fig Café’ and Turtle Green Tea Bar .
-END-
About JITOA
The Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association is a voluntary-membership organization comprised of active tour operator members and associate members (including hotels and hotel chains, Event Management Companies, NGO’s, Buss Companies, educators, tour guides and others) with an interest in improving the quality of the visitor’s experience in Jordan. JITOA and its membership are actively committed to raising the standards of the industry as a whole through the spread of Codes of Conduct, a Code of Ethics and by providing continuing education and advocacy support to the industry.
About Earth Hour
Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change. Only a year later and Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries participating. Global landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, CN Tower in Toronto, Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and Rome’s Colosseum, all stood in darkness, as symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the hour. In March 2009, hundreds of millions of people took part in the third Earth Hour. Over 4000 cities in 88 countries officially switched off to pledge their support for the planet, making Earth Hour 2009 the world’s largest global climate change initiative. www.earthhour.org
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