A beauty pageant aimed at promoting environmental awareness is launching this year in Uganda.

The Miss Earth Uganda 2015 competition will involve auditions due to be held in 25 districts across the country, with a winner expected to be announced by August. The theme of the beauty contest this year is ‘Beauties for a cause’ with the cause being a focus on activities that protect the environment such as recycling.

Victoria Nabagereka, Pageant Director, commented, “Currently, the environment is rapidly undergoing thorough degradation, encroaching on wetlands [and] forest reserves; through the pageant, we want to set standards for beauties who understand the environment.”

“At district level, competitions will be carried out to ensure that each of the participating candidates are not only beautiful but also environmentally- informed. We are looking for a girl to be an ambassador for the nature and culture of Uganda. This is a good platform for the girls to get exposure and experience.”

The judging panel will include experts from the National Forestry Authority and National Environmental Management Authority (NFA).

Gilbert Kadilo, the Communications and PR manager at NFA, commented, “This is a springboard and we expect this to translate into skills and hearts that will love and protect the environment.”

The winner will receive a new car, allowance and apartment.