Ford Motor Company announces 2008/2009 environmental grants winners

The nine members of the independent jury panel convened in Dubai recently to select and vote on the winners in this year's Ford's green initiative which marks its 10th consecutive year of continued support to non-profit and grass-root level projects in the GCC and Levant markets.

The winning entries are from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan and are active in the areas of environmental education, conservation of the natural environment (flora and fauna) and conservation engineering with grants.

"Once again, it gives us great pleasure to recognize the relentless efforts of the many individuals and groups who have devoted their time in preserving the environment and raising awareness in their local communities. Extending support to help our local environmental enthusiasts carry on with their worthwhile projects is our way to recognize and celebrate their hard work and to help them fulfill their missions."

said Waldo Galan, Ford Middle East's managing director.

"During the past 10 years, the Ford Grants have funded and helped materialize and expand over 100 projects, and it gives us immense pride when we realize the impact this programme has had in the region's communities. We are thrilled to have had this opportunity to demonstrate yet again, Ford Motor Company's commitment to giving back to the local communities where we serve our customers," Galan added.

Since the programme's launch 10 years ago, Ford has awarded more than US$2,000,000 in grants to over 300 high-quality projects throughout Asia Pacific, Caribbean, Central America, Middle East and Puerto Rico to further their environmental initiatives.

In the Middle East, the initiative has offered nearly $800,000 in grants to over 100 Middle Eastern environmental projects since 2000. The Ford Grants have also seen support from the World Wide Fund for Nature, the Emirates Wildlife Society and most recently, the Arab Forum for Environment & Development (AFED), a regional independent organization promoting prudent environmental policies and programmes across the Arab region.

An independent panel of nine jurors consisting of academicians, as well as experts from environmental ministries and agencies choose the winning projects that demonstrate a well-defined sense of purpose, a commitment to maximizing available resources, and a reputation for meeting objectives and delivering planned programmes and services. Only ongoing and established non-profit projects are qualified to apply for the programme.