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.
