The China Environmental Protection Foundation (CEPF) will invest 3.5 million yuan annually to reward those who make outstanding contributions to environmental protection.

The award, titled "China Environmental Award," is the third time that CEPF has launched an eco-friendly award since 2000.

CEPF, founded in 1993, is the first Chinese NGO dedicated to environmental protection. In 1992, Qu Geping, the first administrator of the China National Environmental Protection Administration, was awarded the UN Sasakawa Environment Prize. He donated the entire award of US$100,000 to establish the CEPF.