Ecologist Madhav Gadgil Honoured with UNEP's Champions of the Earth Award 2024

Indian ecologist Madhav Gadgil has been awarded one of the most prestigious honors in the global environmental field, the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Champions of the Earth award 2024. The award, UN's highest environmental honour, recognizes six outstanding individuals from around the world for their exceptional efforts in addressing environmental challenges such as land degradation, drought, and desertification. Gadgil has been honoured in the Lifetime Achievement category, highlighting his decades of contributions to environmental research, policy development, and grassroots advocacy.

Gadgil report in 2011, commissioned by India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, highlighted the dangers of unchecked development in the region. In this report, Gadgil and his team proposed the categorization of ecologically sensitive zones and advocated for development practices that are both environmentally sustainable and inclusive of local communities. The findings of this report received international attention and influenced discussions by organizations such as the World Heritage Committee and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

“I have the satisfaction that as a scientist, empathetic to the people, I have been able to do various things which have helped in changing the direction of what is happening. I’m a durable optimist – and hopeful that this progress will continue to gather pace,” Gadgil was quoted by the UNEP as saying.

One of Gadgil’s significant accomplishments was the establishment of India’s first biosphere reserve, the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, in 1986. This initiative was rooted in ecological research across the Western Ghats and emphasized the importance of engaging with forest communities. By involving local populations in conservation efforts, Gadgil championed a community-led approach to sustainable resource management. Today, the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is recognized as India’s largest protected area, reflecting his visionary leadership.

Gadgil’s legacy goes beyond his scientific contributions. As a key architect of India’s Biological Diversity Act and a significant contributor to the implementation of the Forest Rights Act, he has played a crucial role in shaping policies that protect India’s natural resources and promote the rights of indigenous communities. His service on government committees, including the Prime Minister’s Scientific Advisory Council, underscores his influence in merging scientific research with policy-making.

The 2024 Champions of the Earth awards also honored Sonia Guajajara, Brazil’s Minister of Indigenous Peoples; Amy Bowers Cordalis, an environmental defender from the United States; Gabriel Paun, a Romanian advocate for environmental protection; Lu Qi, a Chinese afforestation scientist; and SEKEM, an Egyptian initiative promoting sustainable agriculture.

With desertification already affecting 3.2 billion people worldwide, and droughts projected to impact over 75% of the global population by mid-century, the work of environmental champions like Gadgil is more critical than ever.

Since 2005, UNEP has annually recognized individuals and organizations driving innovative and sustainable solutions to tackle the triple planetary crisis: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.