Zhong Yanqun, fulltime deputy director of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai Executive Committee, and Chen Xianjin, deputy director general of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination attend the ceremony. [en.expo2010.cn]?

The first group of 12 "Expo Stars," who were chosen for their extraordinary environmental awareness and healthy, green lifestyles, were?presented with certificates signed by Vicente Loscertales, secretary general of the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE) on October 13, 2009.

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The list includes Lv Zhi, a Peking University professor of conservation biology, Netizen Yuan Xingwei, who promotes eco-friendly practices at Expo, and two students who returned from China's Antarctic expedition.

Other "Stars" include Guan Zhiquan, a child who won an Expo-themed painting competition, and Ditmar Gorgesm, a German investor whose environmentally friendly urinals can help a household save nearly 150,000 liters of water a year.

They come from various industries and many age groups but they have one thing in common: they are active advocates of green and healthy lifestyles.

A string of domestic and international celebrities also appeared at the star-studded ceremony at Shanghai's Yihai Theater to direct the public's attention to environmental protection.

Dancer Huang Doudou said the ceremony was just a start as environmental protection should be a life-time practice. He urged more people to join the group.

French pianist Richard Clayderman and other stars performed at the ceremony.

Zhong Yanqun, fulltime deputy director of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai Executive Committee, said she hoped the stars would stir the public's awareness in eco protection.

The event was launched in December last year. Names of stars will be announced on important occasions, such as countdowns to the event.

Anyone from China's mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, including foreigners living and working in the country, can be an Expo Star.