The 2017-batch IFS officer Jagdish S Bakan has been selected for UNESCO’s Michel Batisse Award for effective biosphere reserve management. It is the first time that an Indian has won this prestigious award.
He will receive the award and deliver a lecture on his case studies at the 35th session of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Reserves Programme organised by the UNESCO in Paris from June 12 to 15.
Informing the news, UNESCO New Delhi tweeted: “Ramanathapuram Wildlife Warden and Director of Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, Bakan Jagdish Sudhakar, has been selected for UNESCO’s Michel Batisse Award for effective biosphere reserve management. The Indian Forest Service officer will receive the award and deliver a lecture on his case studies at a function to be held in Paris on June 14.”
This award was instituted in 2004 following a decision of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme of UNESCO. A $12,000 award is given once every two years in memory of Dr Michel Batisse for outstanding achievement in management of biosphere reserves across the globe.
Mr. Bakan has been chosen for the award for his work in the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve — which is endowed with rich marine biodiversity, including several species of fish, coral, birds, sea turtles, crustaceans.
