The Ramsar Wetland Conservation Award for actions that have significantly contributed to long-term conservation and sustainable use of wetlands was established in 1996 in order to recognise and honour the contributions of individuals, organisations, and governments around the world towards promoting the conservation and wise use of wetlands. It was awarded for the first time at the 7th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties, in 1999, and for the second time at the 8th Meeting, in 2002. The third awards will be conferred at the 9th COP, in Kampala, Uganda, November 2005.
The 2005 Awards will be made in the three categories of management, science, and education, and as in the past each will be accompanied by the Evian Special Prize of US$ 10,000, courtesy of the Danone Group (France).
Nominations are encouraged of persons, government or non-government organisations, that have taken initiatives which have contributed significantly to the long-term conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, especially those initiatives which might serve as inspirational and practical examples for others.
Nominations should reach the Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands by 31 October 2004 at the latest, using the form attached or available upon request from the Ramsar Secretariat or on the Ramsar Web site. The Standing Committee will select the three winning individuals or organisations and the Award will be presented at the opening ceremony of the 9th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (Kampala, Uganda), on 8 November 2005.
http://ramsar.org/key_awards_index.htm