26 September 2006 Johannesburg will soon have a new advisory body to support the City's environmental initiatives. Councillor Prema Naidoo, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Environmental Management says issues such as climate change, waste management, air quality, energy and open spaces are growing in importance as the city continues to expand. A new Environmental Advisory Forum will be established to advise the City on important issues. The Forum will be representative of environmental experts, interest groups and communities and will mirror the National Advisory Forum that exists at national level. ''The establishment of the forum is a result of various community inputs and the recognition that the City's stakeholders can play a vital role in the improvement and management of the environment,'' says Clr Naidoo. Among its functions will be: Raise awareness of, and promote debate about, environmental issues. Be a channel for promoting good ideas and good practice to the City and its service delivery entities. Consider and comment on issues and proposals affecting the environment. Assist in the identification of environmental management projects that will lead to poverty alleviation, job creation and economic empowerment. Such projects will be done in partnership with stakeholders and in line with the expanded public work's programme. The process to establish the forum is proceeding well and two broad stakeholder forum meetings were already held. At the last meeting a Steering Committee was elected to finalise the terms of reference and manage the process to establish the forum. The Advisory Forum will be constituted after a six month period of consultation. Clr Naidoo says the City wants to encourage stronger community participation in issues related to the environment. Interest groups should work with ward committees in the city’s regions and wards. NGOs, CBOs and Business Organisations that are active in environmental issues should register their interest with City. The required information should include the name of the organisation, contact details and background information on current activities. The information should be submitted by mid-October 2006 on one A4 page. Tel (011) 407 6505 Fax (011) 403 4142 Lorraine makeketlane@joburq.orq.za. ENDS Nthatisi Modingoane Media Liaison Officer CITY OF JOHANNESBURG Tel: (011) 407 7354 Fax: 403 3494 Cell: 082 467 9228 E-mail: nthatisem@joburg.org.za