Top Indian ecologist Madhav Gadgil will share the prestigious USD 200,000 Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement for this year with an American scientist for their pioneering works in the development of conservation and sustainability policies in India and the US.
Gadgil, known for his preservation achievements in the unique global biodiversity hotspot in the Western Ghats region, will share the award with Jane Lubchenco.
The duo would also receive a gold medallion during an award ceremony in Los Angeles next month.
Gadgil is recognised for his innovative and courageous public leadership to sustain and enhance the natural resources of India, said a statement by University of South Carolina, which administers the prize.
"He (Gadgil) has brought awareness of the strong links between people and their natural environments. He particularly has advanced the assessment of environmental impacts of state and national policies by utilising community-engaged processes to inventory and manage biodiversity," the statement said.
"Through high-impact publications he has mobilised communities and has deeply influenced public opinion and national policy in India."
Lubchenco was recognised for effective and valiant public leadership to sustain our global ocean commons and for her inspired work in education, mentorship, science communication, and science policy.
Gadgil, a D D Kosambi Visiting Research Professor in Interdisciplinary Studies at Goa University, has been awarded two of India's highest civilian honors -- the Padma Shri in 1981 and the Padma Bhusan in 2006.
In 1983, he was also given the Rajyotsaya Award from the State of Karnataka.
Gadgil's nomination for the Tyler Prize was initiated by Jose A Sarukhan, the National Coordinator at the National Commission for Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity in Mexico.
Gadgil is described by his peers as a man both impressive and humble, and his nominating materials make it clear that his influence as an environmental leader has been very far-reaching.
In a letter of support for the nomination, Marcus Feldman, Professor of Biology at Stanford University, spoke of Gadgil's pioneering work in recognising human stakeholders in environmental science, attesting that "no one has done more to develop ecology and environmental studies in India than Madhav Gadgil.
