By Na Jeong-ju

President Lee Myung-bak has received an award from the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) under the United Nations Environment Program for his “low-carbon, green growth” policy, Cheong Wa Dae said Tuesday.

Ahmed Djoghlaf, secretary general of the CBD, visited the presidential office for an award ceremony.

The CBD, established in 1993, is tasked to sustain the diversity of life on Earth. The United Nations declared 2010 to be International Biodiversity Year to draw attention to the failure to meet targets to stop the global loss of biodiversity.

“The U.N. agency awarded Lee in recognition of his green initiatives and the role he played in promoting global discussions on environmental protection,” the presidential office said in a press release.

The CBD award is presented to global leaders who have contributed to promoting environmental protection. The past winners include German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, according to the office.