The Malta Environment and Planning Authority recently announced the institution of the Envioronment Planning Awards, in recognition of those companies and individuals who implement innovative development proposals which respect the environment.

The award ceremony will be part of the authority's activities for World Environment Day. The awards will be divided into three categories: Special Award for Engineering Solutions and Urban Design; Award for Conservation; and Award for Environmental Enhancement.

The Environment Planning Awards 2005 is another initiative that the authority is taking to encourage that the design and implementation of proposed development applications which result in architectural works of quality and respect of the environment both natural and urban. Other initiatives which improve the environment will also be considered for this award.

For this event, MEPA commissioned Herman Ciappara to create a work of art which will be given out as a trophy for winners. The sculpture will seek to capture the essence of humankind's interaction with the environment resulting in designs which provide harmony between nature and human creation.

"These awards emphasise our determined commitment to ensuring a leap in quality of development proposals," MEPA chairman Andrew Calleja said.

"The submitted propsals will be evaluated on a number of criteria, including originality of concept, excellence of thought analysis, effectiveness in applying design principles, ability of problem solving on site through design, public participation techniques and the use and efficiency of alternative forms of energy," director-general Godwin Cassar pointed out.

These awards, inspired by MEPA's planning and environmental remit, also seek to complement the DC 2005 document which the authority published last week that seeks to promote the creation of high quality development, which is visually attractive and appropriate to its surroundings.

Nominations for these awards must be submitted to the MEPA offices in Floriana by Wednesday, May 25, at 4 p.m. The awards will be presented at an official ceremony as part of the activities for World Environment Day in June. During the ceremony the authority will also be presenting an award for the design competition related to the extension of the authority's offices.

For further information, access the MEPA Website at www.mepa.org.mt.

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