Lee wins UN award for role in global biodiversity

President Lee Myung-bak received a major environmental award from a U.N. organization Tuesday for his green leadership highlighted by his push for "low-carbon, green growth" and the restoration of the Cheonggyecheon, a stream running through the center of Seoul.

Lee was awarded the prize at his office, Cheong Wa Dae, from Ahmed Djoghlaf, executive secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) under the United Nations Environment Program.

The CBD Award is given to those who make great contributions to protecting global biodiversity. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper are among its earlier recipients.

The organization said Lee is behind South Korea's emerging role in global efforts for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.

"President Lee demonstrated his strong global leadership toward achieving low-carbon, green growth by securing national commitments on green investment at the level of the percent of GDP," it said.