Richard A. Vollenweider

An eminent aquatic biologist whose research on eutrophication has been important in conserving the great lakes of north America, and lakes worldwide.

Collaborating with OECD, WHO, PAHO, UNEP, ILEC, he has made outstanding contributions to sustained management of aquatic ecosystems.

He is actively involved in the research of eutrophication of the Adriatic Sea and the Mediterranean, and the protection of these seas from further degradation.

Turkish Association for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

A Turkish NGO active in public awareness programmes, afforestation and lobbying against industrial pollution.

Foune Traore

Ms. Traore has initiated and mobilised women's groups in afforestation and desertification control in Senegal, thus contributing to food and energy self sufficiency in marginal areas.

Edward L. Towle

Dr. Towle established the island resources foundation in 1971 to promote sound management of island ecosystems.

He was the founder president of the Caribbean Conservation Association. Dr. Towle works mainly with young people in his environmental programmes.

Sione Latuila Tongilava

A senior official of the Government of Tonga who has helped establish two forest reserves, five marine parks, and introduced the use of solar power to replace diesel generators which were polluting lagoons.

He has trained environmental workers in Tonga and drafted environmental and land use legislation, which became law in 1983.

Normita Thongtham

The environmental correspondent for the Bangkok Post, Thailand's leading English language newspaper since 1977.

Her concern for the environment prompted her to write in her free time and for the past 10 years she has been writing on environmental issues in her "nature notebook" column in the Bangkok Post's Sunday extra.

She has increased public awareness of local and international environmental problems through her articles.

Anna Teixeira

For the past 13 years Ms. Teixeira has lobbied industry for sound environmental management. She is the secretary general of CAIPA, a Portuguese NGO concerned with promoting sustainable development.

Chamlong Srimuang

As Governor of Bangkok, Mr. Srimuang has achieved urban improvements through anti-pollution regulations, health campaigns, and the creation of "green" areas. His achievements are models for many city administrators.

Irina Vasilevna Springuel

Ms. Springuel has since 1977 conducted research on vegetation in the Egyptian deserts, and studies on the ecosystem of the first cataract islands at Aswan, which led to their legislative protection in 1986.

James G. Speth

Mr. Speth has a long and distinguished career in environmental work. He is the president of the World Resources Institute - an influential policy research centre that he co-founded in 1982. In 1970, he helped found the Natural Resources Defense Council, where he served as a senior attorney. From 1978 to 198 1, he served as chairman of the council on environmental quality in the executive office of the president.