Recognising impressive contributors at the National Wetland Awards

Do you know someone in the wetland community who demonstrates some of the following characteristics and you think their good efforts should be recognized?

• Innovative and creative ideas.
• Encourages new stakeholders into wetland conservation efforts.
• Voluntary work or work “beyond the call of duty”.
• Long service and legacy to wetland management or a significant and lasting impact in a short space of time.
• Development and implementation of effective wetland management tools.
• Contribution to transformation and capacity development in the sector.
• Successful wetland rehabilitation.
• Profiling the importance of wetlands in water security in South Africa.
• Significant growth in wetland capacity/action.

The National Wetland Awards are presented annually to recognize outstanding contributions and achievements and showcase successful or innovative work in the wetland community. The recipients of these awards may work for any sector of society, including government, private companies, corporates, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions and the public.

 

One award is presented for each of the following categories:

Wetland Stewardship

Those who have made a significant contribution towards securing the effective and sustainable management of wetland areas through either the expansion of these areas or through agreements and collaboration with land users and owners in order to conserve wetland health, eco-services and biodiversity.

Wetland Education and Skills Development

Those who have made a significant contribution towards wetland education and skills development in South Africa. This may be through institutional and professional capacity building, training, collaboration, stakeholder engagement or educational tools, outreach and awareness.

Wetland Science and Research

Those who have made a significant contribution towards wetland scientific research providing a sound basis for informed management action strengthening water security.

Young Professional

To recognize the future of the wetland field of practice in South Africa, a fourth category for that of Young Professional is also awarded. This award is for those who are younger than 35 years of age and have less than 5 years of experience.

 

We encourage you to recognize and nominate your peers and colleagues for the prestigious National Wetlands Awards for 2016! The awards will be presented at a special event at the National Wetland Indaba being held in October this year.

The awards are unique bronze Wattled Crane sculptures and medals designed by world renowned sculptor Sarah Richards.

Eligibility

Institutions and individuals are invited to nominate individuals or institutions governmental and non-governmental, academics, the public, corporate and private sector enterprises are all eligible for nomination. However self nominations cannot be accepted.

The awards will be given to individuals or institutions with a proven record of achievements in one or other of the three areas above. Nominees should have contributed significantly to the long-term conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. Special consideration will be given to those initiatives which might serve as inspirational and practical examples for others, and are replicable.

Nomination forms can be downloaded from the South African Wetland Society website.

The deadline for nominations to be submitted is Friday 16 September 2016 at 2pm. Submissions must include the completed Nomination Form and should be sent to the Society’s secretary Marc de Fontaine via email.

Please note that nominations from past years are welcome to be resubmitted for consideration in 2016.