Georgia Strait Alliance (GSA) is happy to announce that its Clean Marine BC (CMBC) program was presented with the President’s Award at the Environmental Managers Association of British Columbia’s (EMA of BC) annual general meeting on June 18th. This prestigious award recognizes superior environmental stewardship by an individual or organization in the community.
EMA of BC’s President, Carlos de Ponte, says, “GSA’s Clean Marine BC program is clearly an unsung hero in its work to safeguard our marine environment and cruising waters for future generations. The tireless work they do in the background to educate and share information with marinas, boatyards and recreational boaters in BC about marine environmental best practices aligns perfectly with EMA of BC’s own mission. We believe wholeheartedly in the work this program is doing and applaud them for their accomplishments”.
“We are extremely pleased to see our Clean Marine BC program honoured by the EMA of BC”, says Christianne Wilhelmson, executive director of GSA. “The CMBC program exemplifies how collaboration around solutions to environmental threats is the key to protecting the waters of the Georgia Strait and to making lasting environmental change.”
Clean Marine BC is a green boating education and voluntary marina eco-certification program for marinas, harbour authorities, yacht clubs, and boatyards. Launched by GSA in 2000, this multi-award winning program helps boaters and boating facilities to improve upon and achieve excellence in environmental best practices. The education program expanded to include marina eco-accreditation in 2007 and continues to grow, with a 23% increase in participation in the marina program in the last year. Thirteen certified members representing 19 marinas, yacht clubs, boatyards and wharfs are now part of the program with another 14 facilities adopting the Clean Marine BC policy and working towards certification.
About Environmental Managers Association of BC
The Environmental Managers Association of BC is a not-for-profit association with a mandate to provide educational experiences and networking with the goal of sharing environmental concerns and solutions. The EMA of BC fulfills its mission by organizing a variety of events including speaker sessions, facility tours, annual workshops, and recognition events for members. The EMA of BC is also a supporter of grants to community organisations and educational bursaries and prizes to post-secondary students in the environmental field.
About Georgia Strait Alliance
Formed in 1990, Georgia Strait Alliance is the only conservation group working to protect and restore the marine environment and promote the sustainability of Georgia Strait, its adjoining waters and communities, the place where 75% of British Columbians live, work and play.
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For more information, contact:
Christianne Wilhelmson, Executive Director
(604) 862-7579