As extreme weather -
from flooding and intense storms to wildfires burning on several continents -
becomes the new norm, the way we manage our landscapes is becoming even more
important.
Many of the winners
of the 2019 Landscape Institute (LI) Awards have tackling the climate and
biodiversity emergency at the heart of what they are doing.
Announced at The
Troxy in London, the winning projects showcase a range of crucial
interventions: better managing water resources, using natural methods to
mitigate hurricane damage, reclaiming streets and green spaces, improving air
quality, connecting our communities and restoring habitats.
Alongside the
winners, Sir David Attenborough also attended the ceremony, where he was
awarded the Landscape Institute Medal, recognising his phenomenal contribution
to educating and to connecting people, place and nature over multiple
generations. Sir David was also awarded Honorary Fellowship of the LI. C
Adam White,
President of the Landscape Institute said: "The Landscape Institute Awards
celebrate the contribution the landscape profession makes to all our lives. The
standard continues to grow with over 180 entries this year, and we are
delighted to see the impact projects are having on people, communities and the
wider landscape.
"In June this
year the LI declared a climate and biodiversity emergency and that is why I am
particularly impressed to see the range of projects that are leading the way in
developing innovative ideas and approaches at this crucial time for our planet.
At a time when we are seeing more and more extreme weather, from flooding in
Yorkshire and Derbyshire to wildfires burning on several continents, as
individuals and as a profession we have the opportunity to make a real
difference.
"Following that
declaration, we have put in place an expert panel to look at how we take
forward the work we do as an organisation and the support and leadership we can
give to our members. This is not a talking shop and after the panel reports in
March 2020 we will be setting out a clear programme of action for the future.
"On a personal
note I am delighted that the Institute has honoured Sir David Attenborough with
the LI Medal and also made him an Honorary Fellow of the Institute. As a
leading light of his generation, who has for many decades been highlighting the
importance of looking after our precious planet, this accolade recognises his
phenomenal contribution to education and to connecting people, place and
nature."
