International Riverfoundation Chair Martin Albrecht presents ICPDR representatives Jasmine Bachmann and Gyula Holló with the International Thiess Riverprize 2007. Launched in 1999, the International Thiess Riverprize has evolved into one of the most highly regarded and richest international water management awards.

On 4 September 2007, the ICPDR won the International Thiess Riverprize 2007 – the world’s largest prize in its field – for excellence in water management. The announcement was made in brisbane, australia, during a gala award ceremony at the 10th annual International Riversymposium.

The award, worth AUD 300,000 (€189,000), was given specifically to the Danube River Basin for its collaborative approach to improve water quality and chosen over three other outstanding government and community groups from China, New Zealand and
Canada.

Recognising excellence in the region. ICPDR Executive Secretary Philip Weller said the prize is given in recognition of the work undertaken during the past 15 years to overcome political and economic obstacles. “Hundreds of people throughout the Danube Basin were actively involved in the ICPDR project, which made the Danube Basin a cleaner and healthier place. We are honoured by this recognition which means a great deal to the ICPDR family”, he said.

Launched in 1998, the International Thiess Riverprize is a partnership between the International Riverfoundation and Riverfestival, an annual ten-day celebration of Brisbane’s river, people, culture and environment. The Riverprize identifies the world’s best practices in water management, preservation and restoration. “As we move into a world of increasing complexity and uncertainty around water security I am convinced those who develop and refine the knowledge and approaches for protecting, restoring and sustainably managing river systems will become our water heroes”, said International Riversymposium Chair Professor
Paul Greenfield.

Rewarding experiences. “Winning the International Riverprize was a fascinating experience”, says Gyula Holló, Head of Hungary’s Delegation to the ICPDR, who accepted the award on behalf of the ICPDR. “I had the opportunity to give thanks and to present a message on behalf of the Danube River Basin countries and ICPDR. We were immediately congratulated by many organisations and individuals from the international water community, including the other finalists and President of the International Water Association (IWA). Our successful legal framework was particularly praised. As a new member of the club there, we also now have the opportunity to better follow activities happening in that part of the world.”

Martin Albrecht, Chairman of the International Riverfoundation, emphasised the importance of future twinning activities, especially for prize winners to transfer their knowledge to other international river basins. In response, the ICPDR will use some of the prize money to deliver a presentation at the IWA World Water Congress in Vienna in 2008.

Paul Csagoly is a communications specialist and writer about European environmental issues.