This award gives recognition to the following contributions considered either together or separately:

• Outstanding work in trans-disciplinary research or human capital development that promotes environmental sustainability within an academic or non-academic context. This could include the development and implementation of programmes in these areas of activity that have an impact within and between institutions. According to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE), it can be seen as a “system of economic activities related to the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services that result in improved human well-being over the long term, while not exposing future generations to significant environmental risks or ecological scarcities”.
• Within organisations that work towards environmental conservation, research and management: innovation in management and leadership leading to the attraction, development, retention and transformation of human capital. There should be an explicit novel link between the organisations’ objectives, management and leadership approaches and organisational success.
• Outstanding contributions in shaping the national agenda on the environment in national policies, legislation and programmes. The work recognised could include knowledge-based advocacy and awareness programmes designed to bring about social change, as well as impact that is clearly demonstrated through successful implementation.