NAIROBI, Nov. 9 (Xinhuanet) -- The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) announced here Wednesday it was signing on November 18 an agreement with the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympic Games (BOCOG) to jointly promote environmental initiatives.

    "The memorandum of understanding is aimed at helping Beijing with its ambitious proposals in areas ranging from air, water and noise pollution up to transport, landscaping and the disposal of solid wastes," said a UNEP statement.

    UNEP will also be helping with public awareness campaigns whichit is hoped will leave a lasting legacy among citizens in Beijing and China generally on the importance of the environment for long lasting and enduring development, according to the statement.

    "Without doubt, sports and sports men and women can be a power for good in the world inspiring by example and bringing together communities, nations and cultures in a common understanding of the principles of peace and fair play," said Klaus Toepfer, UNEP's executive director.

    In terms of the environment, the BOCOG is taking measures to make the upcoming summer games "a crucial guide for environmentally-friendly mass spectator events everywhere over thecoming years", added Toepfer.

    Green Olympics, High-tech Olympics and People's Olympics are the three concepts that Beijing uses to promote the 2008 Games.

    In line with the Green Olympics concept, the Chinese capital has been moving pollutant factories out of the city and promoting water-saving measures among hotels that will serve the Games.

    In another move, the China International Environment Logo Exhibition is scheduled for November 16-18, 2005 at the Beijing International Exhibition Center.

    During the run of the exhibition, there will be high-level forums, technology achievement trading, economic and trade fair and exchange activities. On display will be domestic and overseasenvironment logo products, green products, environment-friendly products, enterprises and achievements.

    The exhibition will avail the opportunity of governmental procurement and procurement for major projects of 2008 Summer Olympic Games to promote sales of products with environmental protection logos. Enditem