American Environmental Scientist receives 2011 Stockholm Water Prize

Co-founders of the Stockholm Water Prize, Borealis and Borouge, are pleased to share the announcement of Stephen R. Carpenter, Professor of Zoology and Limnology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, for his groundbreaking research on lake eco-systems. The Stockholm Water Prize is the world’s most prestigious award for outstanding achievements in water-related activities.

Professor Carpenter's groundbreaking research has shown how lake ecosystems are affected by the surrounding landscape and by human activities. His findings have formed the basis for concrete solutions on how to manage lakes. They have influenced concrete strategies for dealing with eutrophication and have provided a practical framework for the management of freshwater resources.

Professor Carpenter, 59, is recognised as one of the world's most influential environmental scientists in the field of ecology. By combining theoretical models and large-scale lake experiments, he has reframed our understanding of freshwater environments and how lake ecosystems are impacted by humans and the surrounding landscape.

As co-founders of the Stockholm Water Prize and initiators of the Water for the World™ programme, Borealis and Borouge are actively committed to promoting and supporting best practice in the management of water resources and in improving access to water and sanitation around the globe.

“Preserving water resources from unsustainable use and pollution is essential in a world where two-thirds of the population is at risk of water stress,” comments Gerd Löbbert, Borealis Executive Vice President Polyolefins. “The Stockholm Water Prize demonstrates that research and innovation can truly make a difference, and this is what Borealis and Borouge set out to achieve in co-founding this award.”

Established in 2007, Water for the World has led a large number of projects, including creating a water supply for earthquake refugee resettlements in Italy and China, partnering with the Business Friends of the Danube, to preserve the water resources within the Danube River Basin or spearheading precision farming techniques in the Danube region to prevent excess nutrient load in river environment.

Announced each March in connection with the UN World Water Day, the Stockholm Water Prize Laureate 2011 will be honoured at a Royal Prize Ceremony under the patronage of H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden on August 25, 2011, during World Water Week. The prize, administered by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) and founded by international companies in cooperation with the City of Stockholm, includes a USD 150,000 award.

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For further information please contact:

Kerstin Meckler, Director Communications, Borealis
Tel +43 122 400 389
Email: kerstin.meckler@borealisgroup.com

Craig Halgreen, Vice President, Global Communications, Borouge
Tel +971 2 6070 807
Email: craig.halgreen@borouge.com 

Britt-Louise Andersson, Communications Director, SIWI
Tel + 46 8 522 139 72
Email: britt-louise.andersson@siwi.org