The award was instituted to mark His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s visit to the Unesco headquarters in Paris in 1989 and is funded by a grant from him.

The prize is meant to recognise outstanding contributions by individuals, groups of individuals, institutes or organisations in the management and preservation of the environment, consistent with the policies, aims and objectives of Unesco.

It is presented biennially by MAB and consists of cash reward and a scholarship. Since 2003, the award is given during events coinciding with World Scientific Day for Peace and Development in Budapest, Hungary.

Education Minister and Chairman of the Oman National Committee for Education, Culture and Science Yahya bin Saud Al Sualimi, in comments, underlined Sultan Qaboos’ “continuous care and interest in environment” at both the national and international levels. The award is a proof of that, he added.

The award, Sulaimi noted, also reiterated Sultan Qaboos’ “belief in the importance of preserving the world environment, sustaining its assets and maintaining its resources to ensure their optimum utilisation.”

He added that it was a message from the Omani ruler to “all humanity, and an exemplary model for collaboration of efforts to preserve the world environment and maintain its resources fresh and renewable.” Unesco’s Director-general said the award was a “generous initiative” of Sultan Qaboos.

ravindranath@khaleejtimes.com