Madhav Gadgil, a pioneering Indian environmentalist, has been honored with UNEP’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the United Nations’ highest environmental accolade. Recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to conservation and ecological studies, Gadgil joins a prestigious list of laureates who have made remarkable efforts to restore and protect the environment.

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• Madhav Gadgil received UNEP’s Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 for his contributions to environmental conservation.
• He joins notable laureates like David Attenborough and Joan Carling in UNEP’s “Champions of the Earth” hall of fame.
• Gadgil authored the Gadgil Report, advocating the protection of India’s ecologically sensitive Western Ghats.
• UNEP credited Gadgil for founding India’s first biosphere reserve, the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, in 1986.
• Played a key role in India’s Biological Diversity Act and the Forest Rights Act, empowering local communities.
• UNEP praised his respect for community knowledge in creating lasting solutions to environmental challenges.
• Recognized globally with awards like the Tyler Prize, Volvo Environment Prize, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan.
• One of six recipients of the Champions of the Earth 2024 award, which also honors individuals for innovation, policy leadership, and entrepreneurial vision.
• UNEP’s Executive Director Inger Andersen highlighted Gadgil’s role in finding solutions to nature’s loss.
• Announcement shared by UN Mission in India, encouraging efforts toward environmental restoration.