Ford China launched its fourth Ford Conservation and Environmental Grants in Beijing on Monday. This year 17 grants will be awarded, with a total of one million yuan (US$120,000) being distributed to wining projects, to be announced in December 2003.
In order to commemorate the Ford Company's 100th founding anniversary, a special "Ford Centennial Award" will be issued to fund the best project addressing wildlife protection. The program is aimed to discover and honor individuals and organizations that work for and contribute to China's environmental protection and conservation.
The program is the largest environmental grant in China. During the last three years, 49 individuals and organizations won grants for their support of environmental protection in the country.
"Environmental protection in China requires the involvement and joint efforts of the government, NGOs, companies, as well as the general public," he noted. With its creation and yearly support, Ford Motor Company fully shows that it is ready to make contribution to environmental protection in China.
"This indicates its commitment as a responsible enterprise," said Prof. Qu Geping, president of the China Environmental Protection Fund.
"As a corporate citizen, Ford China realized its future is connected with the people in China, the Chinese economy and Chinese society.
"We will further support China's environment protection, auto industry and economic growth," said Chen Meiwei, chairman and CEO of Ford Motor China Ltd.
(Xinhua News Agency June 17, 2003)
