(BEIJING, April 25) -- Liu Jingmin, vice-mayor of Beijing and executive vice-president of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) met with Eric Falt, visiting director of the Division of the UNEP Communications and Public Information on Tuesday.

Liu said the Beijing Municipality and BOCOG have attached great importance to improving air quality and protecting the environment. The city is making earnest efforts to draw plans to ensure the air quality for the Olympic Games, and some measures will be carried out during this year's "Good Luck Beijing" events. When bidding for the right to hold the Olympic Games, Beijing formulated action plans under the theme of "Green Olympics" together with tens of non-governmental organizations in the world, and BOCOG has had close links with them.

He said environmental protection is not only an efficient administrative strategy, but also the expression of a healthy lifestyle. BOCOG will cooperate with concerned organizations and institutions to improve Beijing's environmental quality and will enhance publicity and education efforts to upgrade the public's environmental awareness.

Mr. Eric spoke highly of Beijing and BOCOG's enormous efforts and achievements in environmental protection. He suggested that BOCOG continue to enhance communication and cooperation with the environmental protection agencies.