Being marked for the first time in the world today is the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies. The goal of this day is to raise awareness of individuals, communities, businesspersons, and institutions about the importance of clean air for health, productivity, the economy, and the environment. In order to be most successful in resolving global problems like climate change and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, we hereby want to emphasize their link to air quality throughout the world. One of the reasons why we mark this day is to find and promote solutions that improve air quality by sharing best practices, innovations, and success stories.

Guided by the same goals, as well as by important issues like reducing harmful gases emission, improving energy efficiency, and using renewable sources of energy, the Green Economic Development (GED) project -- funded by Sweden and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) -- has today launched the "Write a Story, Win a Prize" contest.

Eligible are all journalists, bloggers, and students from Bosnia and Herzegovina who meet the requirements set out in the contest rules. In order to raise public awareness about the importance of energy saving, using renewable energy sources, clean air, and environmental protection, the goal of the contest is to give the participants an opportunity to present their views on these issues and draw attention to their importance through their stories.

The duration of the contest is from 7 September to 31 October. The public will be able to vote for their favorite stories on the project's website. Based on the public vote, top ten stories will be selected. Subsequently, based on certain criteria, an expert jury will select the three best stories. The winning stories will receive prizes first place photo camera, second and third place tablet.  

Those interested may apply on the GED's official webpage, www.ged.ba/napisi-pricu, where they can also find more information about the rules of the contest.

The Green Economic Development  (GED) project is funded by Sweden and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH, the Environmental Fund of the FBiH and the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund of the Republic of Srpska, the entity ministries of spatial planning and energy, cantonal ministries, municipalities and other partners.  The GED project aims to facilitate favourable conditions for investments in energy efficiency projects, increase the number of green jobs, as well as to contribute to environmental protection and economic development of Bosnia and Herzegovina.