Giant in Global Water Management Wins 2014 Stockholm Water Prize

STOCKHOLM, March 21, 2014 /CNW/- Professor John Briscoe, a native of South Africa, is named the 2014 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate for his unparalleled contributions to global and local water management, inspired by an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of people on the ground.

John Briscoe lives in the United States, where he teaches at Harvard University. Upon receiving the news, Professor Briscoe said he was "Very surprised and honored. I am delighted for the recognition this gives to thinking practitioners, of which I consider myself one."

In its citation, the Stockholm Water Prize Committee states that Professor John Briscoe "has combined world-class research with policy implementation and practice to improve the development and management of water resources as well as access to safe drinking water and sanitation."

Today's world is beset by daunting water challenges - human water security and biodiversity are at risk, global demand for water is soaring, and droughts and floods cause deadly disasters. These challenges cannot be met on one front alone. Professor Briscoe's genius lies in his fusion of science, policy and practice, giving him unrivalled insights into how water should be managed to improve the lives of people worldwide.

"All policies must be judged by whether they make a difference on the ground. I believe that the years I spent working at the micro level is what enables me to be an effective policy maker," says Briscoe.

In 1970's Bangladesh, Briscoe learned first-hand how infrastructure for protection from floods and droughts could transform the lives of the poor. In Mozambique he learned that you were a credible policy maker only if you could help resolve basic problems of building and running infrastructure.

Among Professor Briscoe's crowning achievements is the 2003 Water Strategy for the World Bank. It provided a new, creative and enduring benchmark for global understanding of the need for better infrastructure and improved institutions, with implications far beyond the water sector.

H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, Patron of Stockholm Water Prize, will present the prize to John Briscoe at a Royal Award Ceremony on September 4, during the 2014 World Water Week. Stockholm Water Prize is a global award presented annually by Stockholm International Water Institute. The Laureate receives USD 150,000 and a specially designed silver and crystal prize sculpture.

For full press release, photos and video: http://www.siwi.org/SWP2014

SOURCE: Stockholm International Water Institute

Britt-Louise Andersson, SIWI, [phone], [email protected]