Earthwatch wins national environment prize

Earthwatch Australia has been named the 2009 winner of the Prime Minister's Environmentalist of the Year Award.

Presented annually by the Banksia Foundation, the Banksia Awards celebrate environmental leadership and innovation.

The award was presented on behalf of the Prime Minister by the Honourable Lindsay Tanner MP, Federal Minister for Finance and Deregulation at the Banksia Awards in July.

"This is a very satisfying award. It acknowledges our great work in Australia and overseas spanning more than 25 years of environmental research," says Earthwatch Australia's Executive Director, Richard Gilmore.

Nominees for the award were judged on a sustained contribution to the environment, the ability to influence understanding and/or appreciation of the environment and for leadership or inspiration in environmental management or protection.

Earthwatch was recognised for supporting the work of environmental researchers and inspiring a generation of informed and enthusiastic citizen scientists.

"People who participate in Earthwatch research projects not only benefit the planet, but they benefit their work and community environments with the knowledge, skills and experience they gain," says Richard.

"Our research addresses not only what we believe to be the biggest challenges facing our environment, but also presents the greatest opportunity for unearthing sustainable solutions."

The Earthwatch volunteer engagement model is unique and has led to many positive outcomes for those involved.

"This award would not be possible without the hard work of our small team of dedicated and committed staff nor without the support of our hard-working scientists, volunteers and supporters... This award is a well deserved recognition of those efforts."