NEW DELHI – Renowned Indian ecologist Madhav Gadgil has been honored with the United Nations’ prestigious Champions of the Earth award, the highest environmental accolade bestowed by the UN. The announcement was made on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, in recognition of his groundbreaking contributions to environmental conservation in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO-listed global biodiversity hotspot.
Gadgil, the only Indian recipient among this year’s awardees, chaired the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, a government-appointed body tasked with studying the impact of population growth, climate change, and developmental activities on the ecologically fragile region.
Accepting the award, Gadgil expressed pride in standing up for environmental preservation. His work has been instrumental in highlighting the need for sustainable development and ecological balance in one of India’s most sensitive ecosystems.
The Western Ghats, known for their unique flora and fauna, face significant threats due to unchecked development and climate challenges. Gadgil’s efforts have drawn international attention to the urgent need for protecting the region’s biodiversity while balancing human and environmental interests.