Apr. 10, 2007- A youth environmental organization launched a competition on Tuesday aimed at recycling waste gathered by Lebanese students from April 11-15. In a statement issued at the Amilyah Secondary School in Ras al-Nabaa, The Youth Environment Parliament (YEP) said the competition challenges schools to gather large quantities of paper, plastic covers and small batteries for recycling.

"Results will be declared in ceremonies held on the occasion of World Environment Day," the statement said.

Held each year on June 5, World Environment Day is a principal vehicle through which the United Nations advocates worldwide awareness of environmental causes and calls for political action.

The environment day was established by the UN General Assembly in 1972.

The topic for 2007 is "Melting Ice - A Hot Topic?" The day will focus on climate change and the effects on ice- and snow-covered areas of the world. The day is hosted this year by Norway.

YEP is made up of 50 student council members chosen from Lebanese schools.

Committees of students are charged with preparing reports about environmental conditions in Lebanon and setting up draft laws that are to be discussed with municipalities, civil society organizations, MPs, Parliament's Environment Committee and the Environment Ministry. The youths are expected to hold a meeting with Parliament to discuss environmental problems in their regions.

 The Daily Star