Number of environmental NGOs reaches 500

The number of non-governmental organizations (NGO) in the environment field has gone up from 312 five years ago to 500. The growth has been simultaneous with the expansion in mining in the last few years. A recent workshop emphasized the need to continue with the regular cooperation between government agencies and NGOs in the same field. Their joint efforts have so far led to the adoption of amendments to 10 laws, and passage of 4 new laws and 14 new rules. Environmental NGOs say they want to actively involve private companies and religious organizations to improve ecological awareness among citizens.