Context: India’s veteran ecologist, Madhav Gadgil has been named as one of the six ‘Champions of the Earth award’ for 2024.

• The recognition is in the “Lifetime Achievement” category for his decades-long contributions to environmental protection.

About the ‘Champion of the Earth’ Award

• UNEP’s ‘Champion of the Earth’ award is the UN’s highest environmental honor, recognizing outstanding environmental leaders since 2005.

• It is an annual award that acknowledges individuals and organizations demonstrating exceptional commitment to environmental conservation.

Champions of the Earth are celebrated in four categories:

1. Policy leadership - Public sector officials leading global or national action for the environment. They shape dialogue, lead commitments and act for the good of the planet.

2. Inspiration and action - Leaders taking bold steps to inspire positive change to protect our world. They lead by example, challenge behavior and inspire millions.

3. Entrepreneurial vision - Visionaries challenging the status quo to build a cleaner future. They build systems, create new technology and spearhead a groundbreaking vision. 

4. Science and innovation -Trailblazers pushing the boundaries of technology for profound environmental benefit. They invent possibilities for a more sustainable world.

• ‘Champions of the Earth’ Awardees: Indian  Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, was conferred the Champions of the Earth Award 2018 for Policy Leadership.

This year awards in following categories:

• Lifetime Achievement: Madhav Gadgil (India)

• Policy Leadership: Sonia Guajajara (Brazil)

• Inspiration and Action: Amy Bowers Cordalis, Gabriel Paun (US, Romania)

• Science and Innovation: Lu Qi (China)

• Entrepreneurial Vision: Sekem (Egypt)

Madhav Gadgil’s ContributionsWestern Ghats Conservation: Chaired the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (2011).

• Authored the “Gadgil Report,” which highlighted the ecological threats and proposed community-centric conservation strategies.

• Recommended declaring 75% of the 129,037 sq. km Western Ghats area as environmentally sensitive due to its unique biodiversity.

• Recommendations have faced resistance and remain partially implemented. 

• Subsequent reports, like the Kasturirangan report, diluted its recommendations and reduced the  Environmentally sensitive region.

• His research shaped public opinion and official policies on biodiversity conservation.

• Advocacy and Vision Emphasized the role of communication and grassroots activism in driving environmental change.

• Continues to inspire collective action to address ecological crises.

• Other Awards and Recognition: Gadgil’s wide-ranging contributions throughout the years have earned him some of India’s highest civilian honours including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards.

• He also received  the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement and the Volvo Environment Prize . 

• He is often known as ‘“people’s scientist”

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

• Establishment: Founded in 1972 after the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm.

• Role: 

• Leading global environmental authority

• Coordinates UN environmental activities

• Promotes sustainable development

• Provides scientific assessments

• Encourages international cooperation

• Awards:

1. Champions of the Earth: Recognizes outstanding environmental leaders.

2. Young Champions of the Earth: Honors young environmental innovators.

• Initiatives:

1. Climate change mitigation and adaptation

2. Biodiversity conservation

3. Sustainable consumption and production

4. Chemical and waste management

5. Disaster and conflict environmental assessments