The Luc Hoffmann Medal for Excellence in Wetland Science and Conservation was awarded on Monday 22 September by Wetlands International, on the occasion of its 60th anniversary celebrated in Rotterdam (Netherlands).
The two laureates are:
- Category Scientific research: Prof. Dr. W.J. Wolff, retired professor in marine biology at the University of Groningen, for his life’s achievements in conserving the coastal wetlands of the Netherlands and adjoining countries;
- Category Communication, education and public awareness : Ms. Ikal Angelei, Executive director of Friends of lake Turkana, for her crucial role in mobilising and representing the interests of hundreds of thousands of local people around lake Turkana, in Africa’s rift valley, whose survival and livelihoods depend on the lake and are threatened by the proposed construction of the Gibe 3 dam, which would cut off the major water source.
The Luc Hoffmann International Medal for Excellence in Wetland Science and Conservation was initiated in 2004 and is awarded every triennium to honour Dr Luc Hoffmann, a pioneering champion of wetlands science and conservation, and one of the inspirational and far-sighted founders of Wetlands International.