In an attempt to honor the special efforts of the people during emergency-situations like natural and man-made disasters, the United Nations has launched the “Green Star Awards”. The award would also prove advantageous in reducing the casualties and destruction especially during an environmental emergency. The environmental emergency is a sudden onset disaster or accident resulting from natural, technological factors that threaten to cause severe environmental damages as well as harm to human health and livelihoods.

The non-monetary award will be presented to honor the personalities and organizations that have made special steps in reducing the impact of large-scale environmental emergencies. The first Green Star Awards Ceremony will be held on 8 May 2009 in Brussels, at the conclusion of the 8th meeting of the international Advisory Group on Environmental Emergencies.
 
The awards would be sponsored by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs along with the UNEP and the Green Cross International organization. The last date for receiving the nominations is 30 January 2008.