World’s water problems targeted

The Thiess Riverprize recognises work to sustain and restore the world’s riverine systems.

Martin Albrecht, chairman of Thiess and the International Riverfoundation, explained the Thiess Riverprize is split into two sections: national and international award. The international prize is worth $350,000 and the national prize $150,000.

“In the current era of climate change there is an urgent need to address the UN Millennium goal to have safe drinking water available for half of the world’s population who are currently without,” Albrecht said.

“It is especially important to give recognition to those taking the initiative to protect our precious resources and ensure there is clean water for generations to come.”

The Thiess Riverprize continues to gain momentum, rewarding best practice and the remarkable successes being achieved in river and waterway management internationally.

“Since 1999 it has quadrupled in value and the vision is that this prize will one day be considered the ‘Nobel Prize’ of river management,” Albrecht said.

The prize complements the International Riversymposium, an annual conference held in Brisbane. The forum showcases world’s best practice and celebrates achievements, while increasing public awareness of challenges to the world’s rivers and waterways.

“There are many who will benefit in having a central knowledge base where best practice, environmental on-ground achievements and success stories are shared and can be drawn on at any time; the Riversymposium offers just that,” Albrecht said.

The prize is open to individuals, organisations or agencies who can demonstrate outstanding results in river, waterway or watershed management and substantial progress towards sustainability. Nominations close on 28 March 2008.

The awards are a partnership between the Riverfestival and the International Riverfoundation of which Thiess is a founding sponsor.