On Sunday, 10 October 2021, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier presented the German Environmental Prize to leading expert of the Restoring Peatlands in Russia Project, co-founder of the Greifswald Mire Centre, Prof. Hans Joosten.
Every year the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) awards the German Environmental Award, the most highly endowed environmental prize in Europe (500,000 €). Award 2021 was presented to two scientists, who will be splitting the award, Prof. Dr. Katrin Böhning-Gaese and Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Hans Joosten.
Professor Joosten has long been heading the Department of Peatland Studies and Palaeoecology at the Institute of Botany and Landscape Ecology under Greifswald University, where many Russian students and postgraduates have undergone training in peatland studies. Since 2000, he has served as Secretary-General of the International Mire Conservation Group (IMCG).
He was awarded for his outstanding contribution to the scientific research on mires and peatlands and the serious consequences of peatland drainage for global warming.
In his speech, Frank-Walter Steinmeier emphasized the importance of peatland conservation. President paid particular attention to the benefits of introducing paludiculture techniques and best practices into agriculture in rewetted peatlands.