Nairobi, Kenya: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has honored renowned Indian environmentalist Madhav Gadgil with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, marking the highest environmental accolade given by the UN. Gadgil now stands alongside distinguished figures such as David Attenborough and Joan Carling in the environmental hall of fame.
A total of six individuals have been recognized with the Champions of the Earth 2024 Award. These include Amy Bowers Cordalis and Gabriel Paun for Inspiration and Action; Lu Qi for Science and Innovation; Sekem for Entrepreneurial Vision; and Sonia Guajajara for Policy Leadership.
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The announcement was made by the United Nations Mission in India through a post on X. “Indian ecologist Madhav Gadgil is among the six @UNEP Champions of the Earth 2024, who are at the forefront of efforts to restore the #environment. Join the #EarthChamps to defend our planet. We are #GenerationRestoration”
According to UNEP, Madhav Gadgil has authored seven books and more than 200 scientific papers. His influential work, known as the Gadgil Report, advocated for the preservation of India's ecologically sensitive Western Ghats mountain range.
Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP, highlighted Gadgil's significant contributions. “Science can help us find solutions to the devastating loss of nature our world is experiencing. Madhav Gadgil has demonstrated this for decades,” said Andersen.
“His work has advanced conservation while demonstrating a deep respect for people and community knowledge, bringing to the fore lasting solutions for some of India's most-pressing environmental challenges,” he added.
Gadgil's contributions
At the Indian Institute of Science, Gadgil established the Centre for Ecological Sciences, where one of his most notable achievements was the creation of India's first biosphere reserve, the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, in 1986.
UNEP also acknowledged Gadgil’s involvement in several key government bodies and committees, including the Prime Minister's Scientific Advisory Council. He played a pivotal role in shaping India's Biological Diversity Act and in implementing the Forest Rights Act, helping local forest communities establish biodiversity monitoring registers.
Over the years, Gadgil’s extensive contributions have earned him some of India’s highest civilian honors, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, and the Volvo Environment Prize, as noted by UNEP in its statement.
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Published: 20 Dec 2024, 07:57 am IST
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