PITTSBURGH, PA, Feb. 14, 2013 -- Bayer Corporation congratulates Portland, Ore., on being named by the United Nations Environment Programme’s Regional Office for North America (UNEP RONA) as the official North American host city for World Environment Day (WED) 2013.

For the sixth consecutive year, Bayer will sponsor the youth programs for WED in North America, which includes the opening of a special exhibition of the International Children’s Painting Competition (ICPC) in Portland, an awards ceremony for ICPC North American and Portland winners and an interactive environmental workshop for local high school students led by Dr. Mae C. Jemison. Founder of the international science camp, The Earth We Share™, Dr. Jemison is a scientist, educator and the nation’s first African-American female astronaut. She also is Bayer’s national spokesperson for its company-wide Making Science Make Sense® program.

"Bayer is delighted once again to join UNEP RONA and to help showcase the city of Portland’s environmental leadership and spirit during this year’s official World Environment Day celebration in North America," said Lauren Trocano, Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility for Bayer Corporation. "Our longtime partnership with UNEP RONA will afford the local students of Portland the opportunity to develop environmental awareness and literacy through a series of special youth events."

"We hope that World Environment Day will help shine a spotlight on Portland’s pioneering environmental achievements," said Amy Fraenkel, Director of UNEP RONA. "The city has been at the forefront of restoring the natural environment through its innovative use of green infrastructure for decades, and is in a leading position to share its environmental strategies and best practices with cities not only throughout the United States and Canada, but also around the world."

"There’s a lot of good work going on in Portland to protect our rivers and streams, cut automobile use, reduce food waste, and prepare for climate change," said Portland Mayor Charlie Hales. "I feel honored that Portland is hosting World Environment Day and I’m pleased that it will give the city and our many partners a chance to showcase their accomplishments."

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