The China Environmental Protection Foundation (CEPF) and US Wild Aid jointly launched a special award in Beijing Thursday to promote wildlife protection in China.  

The China Wildlife Conservation Award is the first in China initiated by a non-governmental organ on wildlife protection, said Qu Geping, president of the board of directors of CEPF, at Thursday's ceremony.

Though China has made great progress in the protection of wildlife, the illegal hunting and trading of wild animals continues, said Qu. He said the award will help promote the country's awareness of environmental protection.

The award selection start every September, and the result will be declared the next March. Each round will have six winners, five gold medalists and one life-achievement winner.

Apart from a certificate and cup, each winner will get a US$3,500 bonus to be used for wildlife protection.

The award carries no limitations on nationality, region, and religion for its candidates -- anyone who has made contributions to wildlife protection in China is eligible.

At Thursday's ceremony, Wild Aid President Steve Trent was granted an honor certificate for his efforts in protecting wildlife resources in China.

(Xinhua News Agency October 29, 2004)