Wetland Awards

 

National Wetland Awards for 2023

The South African Wetland Society calls for nominations for the 2023 National Wetland Awards in the following categories.

1. Education & 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.

2. Science & Research

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

3. 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.

4. Young Professional

To recognise 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 younger than 35 years of age who have shown enthusiasm and dedication towards furthering knowledge, understanding and involvement in the wetland field, as well as having helped further wetland science/management and/or have played an active role in the wetland community at local, provincial or national levels.

Background

The National Wetland Awards, sponsored by Mondi, are unique bronze Wattled Crane sculptures designed by sculptor Sarah Richards and are awarded annually to recognise outstanding contributions to wetland work in South Africa.

The awards highlight achievements in:

  • The better management of wetlands through stewardship;
  • The development of skills for improved wetland management and conservation; and
  • Achievements in wetland scientific research.

From 2014 onwards, a new category was awarded that being for Young Professionals who are younger than 35 years of age and have less than 5 years of experience.

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.

Who is eligible?

Individuals or institutions 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 will not be accepted.

The awards will be given to individuals or institutions with a proven record of achievements in one or other of the four categories listed.

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.

Past Recipients

We congratulate the following past recipients on their National Wetland Awards:

2022


Education & Skills Development

Dr Althea Grundling

Science & Research

Dr Erwin Sieben

Stewardship

Eric Qonya

Young Professional

Adwoa Awuah

2021


Education & Skills Development

Wietsche Roets

Science & Research

Nancy Job

Stewardship

Johann van Biljon

Young Professional

Tinotenda Mangadze

2020


Education & Skills Development

Intaka Island Trust

Science & Research

Prof Terence "Spike" McCarthy

Stewardship

Liezl de Villiers

Young Professional

Denisha Anand

2019


Education & Skills Development

Dr Piet-Louis Grundling

Science & Research

Dr Nacelle Collins

Stewardship

Eskom and Birdlife SA

Young Professional

Lumka Madolo

2018


Education & Skills Development

Mlungisi Ntuli

Science & Research

Dr Heidi van Deventer

Stewardship

Andy Mills

Young Professional

Fortunate Phaka

2017


Education & Skills Development

Kirsty Robinson and Ryan Fisher

Science & Research

Nicolete Forbes and Brownwyn James

Stewardship

Andrew Zaloumis and Peter Gardiner

Young Professional

Roderick Juba

2016


Education & Skills Development

Sihle Bukhosini

Science & Research

Hans King

Stewardship

Hannes Muller

Young Professional

Musa Mlambo

2015


Education & Skills Development

Prof Jenny Day

Science & Research

Dr Steve Mitchell

Stewardship

Marc Bezencon

Young Professional

Shaddai Daniel-Harris

2014


Education & Skills Development

Dr Nancy Job

Science & Research

Prof Charles Breen

Stewardship

Suretha Dorse and Wally Petersen

Young Professional

Namhla Mbona

2013


Education & Skills Development

Water Research Commission

Science & Research

Dr Heather Malan

Stewardship

Craig Cowden and Doug Woods

2012


Education & Skills Development

Marc de Fontaine

Science & Research

Prof Fred Ellery

Stewardship

Paul Fairall

2011


Education & Skills Development

Mpumalanga Wetland Forum

Science & Research

Dr Donovan Lotze

Stewardship

David Kleyn

Nominate your peers now

2023 National Wetland Awards Nomination Form

Please read the criteria for nomination carefully before completing this form. Explanatory information is provided in the necessary sections to assist you. The deadline for nominations to be submitted is Friday 15 September 2023 at 2pm.

1. Nominee details (all sections to be completed)

2. Proposer details (all sections to be completed)

3. Motivation

Please complete all information below in such a way that the judging panel will be able to evaluate the nominated project/personal achievements (maximum of 1,500 words). Supporting documents can be submitted as well but must be in Pdf or Jpeg format.

Please include a problem statement the project is addressing, high level overview of the objectives of the project, the actions taken, the successes/achievements and how these relate to the category selected above.

4. Signatory

Nominations will not be accepted unless this section is completed and signed by the proposer

Please enter your South African ID or Passport number to sign this form.

Please upload your supporting documentation: