UN picks Sarasota as host for World Environment Day

Sarasota County may be a quickly-growing international tourism destination for its beaches, but now the United Nations has highlighted the community for its environmental accomplishments.

The United Nations Environmental Programme Regional Office for North America (UNEP RONA) has chosen the county as its host community for World Environment Day, which is celebrated internationally June 5. The UNEP RONA will showcase Sarasota County, which will host environmentally-focused events beginning on Earth Day and culminating with a roundtable session

The organization picked the county for its history as an environmentally-friendly and sustainable community, and for its position as a coastal community, according to a press release from UNEP RONA. World Environment Day 2014 will focus on the challenges of island nations and research on climate change.

“The environment knows no borders,” said Sarasota County Administrator Tom Harmer in the release. “And we welcome the world’s spotlight on our community."

Click here for for more information about Sarasota County's position as host community for World Environment Day.