Global Spotlight
Sarasota County selected by United Nations as Host Community for World Environment Day in North America
SARASOTA COUNTY - Sarasota County has been selected by the United Nations Environment Programme's Regional Office for North America (UNEP RONA) as the official North American host community for World Environment Day (WED) 2014. 
Established in 1972 and celebrated every year in more than 100 countries on June 5, WED is one of the UN's primary vehicles through which it stimulates environmental awareness and action worldwide. The awareness campaign comprises more than a single day of concentrated efforts. WED, which launches on Earth Day, April 22, offers North America a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between two important days on the global environment calendar, and provides the community a six-week period during which they can organize activities and events culminating on June 5.
According to UNEP RONA, Sarasota County was selected because of its positive and proactive environmental track record. The WED theme is Small Island Developing States, and Sarasota, which is itself a coastal community, faces similar environmental challenges as small island nations.
"We are impressed by the number of innovative environmental protection initiatives undertaken by Sarasota County," said UNEP RONA Acting Director Elliot Harris. "The 21st century has been a game changer for the county, and the leadership shown on the sustainability front by its citizens has been exemplary, and we look forward to engaging the support of Sarasota's numerous institutions and other partners in the upcoming WED celebrations."
Sarasota County's long legacy as one of the nation's leading sustainable communities committed to the environment has a balanced approach using education, incentives and policy from government combined with initiatives from citizens and community organizations.
The WED program and events in Sarasota County will be shared and highlighted on the Sarasota County WED webpage at www.scgov.net/WED and will give the world a unique opportunity to learn more about the county and its environmental initiatives and programs.
"Sarasota County is a 'lighthouse' community, and we look forward to this opportunity to serve as a guiding light for other coastal communities searching for environmental best practices. Plus, we embrace this worldwide platform as a chance to learn from other communities facing similar environmental concerns," said Sarasota County Commission Chair Charles D. Hines.
One of the county's programs, the Green Business Partnership (GBP), provides technical assistance, certification and marketing support to local businesses and nonprofits of all size in their efforts to improve the sustainability of their operations. To date, about 200 area businesses have achieved the GBP certification, reducing energy, water use and waste generation from the private sector.
Sarasota County was the first county in the country to adopt the American Institute of Architects 2030 Challenge to design and construct new buildings to be carbon neutral by 2030.
Sarasota County has the third highest number of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) projects per capita in Florida. In 2005, Sarasota County was the first county in Florida to make a commitment that all new construction and major renovations would meet green buildings standards. The county followed up that promise by being the first Florida county to have a certified green local government building with the completion of the Twin Lakes Office Complex.
More than a third of Sarasota County's land is under preservation as a result of acquisitions by both county and state agencies.
About half the world's population lives within 124 miles of a coastline, according to UN Atlas of the Oceans. Almost 40 percent of the United States' total population lives in coastal shoreline communities like Sarasota County, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) State of the Coast.
"The environment knows no borders," said Tom Harmer, Sarasota County administrator. "And we welcome the world's spotlight on our community. One of our community's goals is to be environmental stewards, and we are steadfast in our commitment. We recognize that our local actions and decisions will have a ripple effect that surpasses our county boundaries."
For more information and about Sarasota County and WED, visit www.scgov.net/WED or call the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000.
