The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has won the first US$1m Alcan Prize for sustainability.
The council beat off competition from 488 submissions from not-for-profit, non-governmental and civil society organisations from 79 countries.
FSC executive director Heiko Liedeker said the money would help the organisation move to its second decade and maintain the momentum towards responsible management of the world’s forests.
Travis Engen, president and CEO of aluminium and packaging company Alcan Inc, congratulated FSC for its accomplishments in promoting responsible management of the world’s forests and said he hoped the US$1m would help it achieve even greater things in the future.
Robert Davies, CEO of the International Business Leaders’ Forum, which managed the application and selection process for the award, said: “In our view, the FSC exemplifies an environmental and social NGO at the centre of an exceptional and innovative partnership among business, the public sector, and civil society to raise business standards and have a practical impact on the pressing challenge of economic, environmental and social sustainability in forestry.”
Alcan also awarded US$15,000 bursaries to six companies which will allow a member of staff to take part in the one-year, part-time postgraduate Certificate in Cross Sector Partnership accredited by the University of Cambridge.
The awards will be presented in Davos, Switzerland on January 28.
