Bangkok, 20 May2015 – It was a proud day for law enforcers in Asia Pacific region receiving the first ever Asia Environmental Enforcement Award (AEEA) for their key roles in helping protect the atmospheric ozone layer that shields us from ultraviolet radiation harmful to human health and planetary life support systems. The award was conferred by UNEP Executive Director and United Nations Under‐Secretary‐General, Achim Steiner, on national law enforcement bodies from India, the Philippines and the Kingdom of Tonga as well as a regional organization combating environmental crime, at a ceremony in Bangkok during the First Forum of Ministers & Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific, held from 19‐20 May 2015.