The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Gulf of Mexico Program (GMP) partnership developed the Gulf Guardian awards as a way to recognize and honor the businesses, community groups, individuals and agencies that are taking positive steps to keep the Gulf healthy, beautiful and productive. The GMP partnership believes they should be awarded for their stewardship of this national resource from which we all derive so much benefit.
The first Gulf Guardian Award winners were recognized in 2000. Every year since, a first, second and third place award are given in seven categories: Business, Civic/Non-Profit Organization, Partnerships, Youth/Education, Individual, Government, and Bi-National. Twenty-one winners in seven different categories were recognized for their efforts.
The Gulf of Mexico Program recently announced the 2008 winners. The 2008 Gulf Guardian awards ceremony held a special significance this year as they were awarded in conjunction with the Gulf of Mexico Program’s 20th Anniversary Celebration! (1988-2008). The awards ceremony was held on Oct. 29, 2008, in New Orleans. The Gulf of Mexico Program began in 1988 to protect, restore and maintain the health and productivity of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem in economically sustainable ways. The Gulf Program seeks to improve the environmental health of the Gulf in concert with economic development and is proud to be celebrating 20 years of successful partnerships to protect the Gulf of Mexico.
For a list of all the Gulf Guardian Award winners for 2008, visit the Gulf of Mexico Program website at www.epa.gov/gmpo .
Source: EPA
