A GROUP of Chinese conservation lovers received two separate awards last week for their commitment to the environment.

The Chinese Conservation Education Trust (CCET), of which Howick resident Song Lam Wong is a trustee, was a joint winner of a Green Ribbon Award from the Ministry for the Environment.

The award, shared by the Kaipatiki Ecological Restoration Project (KERP), recognised the trust’s work in taking an environmental message to the Chinese community through a range of projects including tree planting, beach clean-ups, a website and a newsletter.

It was also given a special E-Award from the Auckland Regional Council.

Both awards recognise projects that improve understanding of New Zealand’s environmental challenges and motivates people to become part of the solution.

CCET chair Estella Hin Ling Lee said it is very excited about the awards.

“It is great recognition for all the work we’ve done over the past year. But it was also quite unexpected, as the trust is so young.”

She said the accolades are a reflection of the trust’s success in bridging the gap between the Chinese community and mainstream New Zealand.

“It shows our message, that Chinese people do care for the environment, is getting out.”

Song Lam Wong, who works for TEAM Solutions at Auckland College of Education, has tried hard to raise and promote the awareness of environmental issues to Chinese students and their families through her work.

CCET was established in April last year and works in partnership with the Department of Conservation’s Auckland Conservancy and several other community conservation groups.