Luc Hoffmann Medal

The Wetlands International Luc Hoffmann Medal for Wetland Science and Conservation is awarded every triennium to honour Dr Luc Hoffmann, one of the inspirational and far-sighted founders of Wetlands International.

Luc was a source of inspiration and support to those who shared his passion for wetlands. He provided opportunity and motivation to an entire generation of wetland scientists and conservationists. The award echoes Luc’s belief that effective nature conservation activities must build on good science, and recognises his own outstanding achievements.

“It was an absolutely HUGE and unbelievable honour to be awarded the Luc Hoffman Medal. It still feels very much like a dream and to receive the award from Luc Hoffman himself was a massive thrill. To be a “winner” was extremely moving for me, to think that other people felt my very modest contribution made a difference to some larger “whole”.” – Anthony Fox, Luc Hoffman Medal winner, 2007

About Luc Hoffmann (1923-2016)

Luc founded the Station Biologique de la Tour du Valat (Camargue, France) 60 years ago, where he and fellow researchers pioneered long-term population studies of waterbirds, wetlands ecology, conservation and management. He was also instrumental in conserving key wetlands throughout Europe and West Africa. Along with Sir Peter Scott, he was among the founders of WWF, serving for many years as a Director and Vice President Emeritus. He promoted numerous wetland conservation projects and policy initiatives, including the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, which came into force in 1971.

Luc truly made a difference to wetland science and conservation. He was the worthy recipient of numerous awards, authored more than sixty papers and published several books on wetlands, waterbirds and conservation. Despite the growing pressures on wetlands, Luc always remained open and optimistic, supporting the ideas of young professionals and cutting edge innovations.

The Staff Excellence Medal

Alongside the Luc Hoffmann Medal we also award the Staff Excellence Medal, which recognises special achievements among Wetlands International staff. Previous winners include:

  • Daniel Blanco, for his outstanding programmes ranging across water resource and delta management in La Plata Basin, sustainable waterbird harvest, the impacts of soy production on wetlands, freshwater fish conservation and sustainable rice production systems.
  • Ritesh Kumar, for his expertise on how to best use resource economics to achieve positive results for people and nature, which has resulted in successful projects such as reversing the massive and devastating degradation of two of the most significant wetlands in India – Loktak and Chilika Lakes.