“The environment can do without humanity, but humanity cannot do without it”. This was the message the Minister of Environment and Water Asen Lichev addressed to the two winners in the first edition of the competition for students with high academic achievements “Green Support for a Sustainable Future”.

Minister Lichev awarded certificates to Desislava Raykova – 4th year student majoring in biology at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, and Gabriela Metodieva - 2nd year student majoring in economics at the University of National and World Economy - Sofia.

“How simple it is - a little cleaner air, less garbage and more clean natural water,” the Minister said in his address. “We could not ‘split’ your feeling that you will pass this message on to your children, and there are two awards by exception today. I hope this competition will remain a sustainable practice for future ministers, because it is the only way to pass this message on to future generations - what you have grasped and what is my conviction about what is needed for the survival of humanity.”

Minister Asen Lichev established the competition “Green Support for a Sustainable Future” with the idea of ​​holding it every year as part of the initiatives to mark the European Mobility Week in Bulgaria. The competition is conducted by the Executive Environment Agency (EEA) with the financial support of the Enterprise for Management of Environmental Protection Activities (EMEPA).

During the meeting, the Executive Director of EMEPA Galina Simeonova announced that the financial support of 2,970 BGN for the training of each of the two winners for the academic year 2021-2022 will be paid after concluding an agreement with the two universities.

“We see the future in your face. Be inspired and inspire”, the Executive Director of the EEA Rositsa Karamfilova addressed the winners and invited them to conduct their training internships at the agency.

The challenges of a sustainable future on a global scale and in Bulgaria require key decisions and active actions by well-educated and trained “green” leaders - this is the motto of the competition “Green Support for a Sustainable Future”.