The government on Wednesday announced to set up China's first state-level environmental protection prize with aims to enhance public awareness.

The triannual China Ecological Civilization Awards honor groups and individuals that have made a significant contribution to environmental protection through direct efforts, theoretic research, education, and publicity, the Ministry of Environmental Protection said in a statement.

This year 20 groups and 30 individuals will be honored.

Candidates mostly work at the forefront of environmental protection, including scientists, journalists, farmers, civil servants and soldiers, it added.

According to Vice Minister Li Ganjie, the awards aim to raise public awareness and stimulate people from all walks of life to devote themselves to environmental protection.