24 June 2011

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's (GBRMPA) commitment to a robust environmental impact assessment process has been internationally recognised.

The agency has been awarded the 2011 Institutional Award at the International Association of Impact Assessment (IAIA) annual conference in Puebla, Mexico.

The IAIA also commended the GBRMPA for its transparent and rigorous environmental impact assessment process. and strategic environmental assessment process.

GBRMPA Environmental Assessment and Management Director Dr Adam Smith accepted the award on behalf of the organisation.

"It was a great surprise and also a great honour and privilege to receive the award on behalf of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority," Dr Smith said.

The GBRMPA received the award for its commitment to the use of impact assessments in providing for the long‐term protection and ecologically sustainable use of the Great Barrier Reef.

"The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is fortunate to employ very high calibre, innovative people who, over many years, have used the best policy and processes to achieve positive environmental outcomes," Dr Smith said.

It is only the third time that an Australian organisation has won the award and the GBRMPA is the first marine organisation ever to receive it.

As well as being presented with the prestigious award, Adam Smith was invited to give a presentation on environmental impact assessment and climate change during the June conference.

The IAIA award is presented each year to a national or international government or non-government organisation for their outstanding contribution to impact assessment practice or other environment-related activity.

Past winners of the award include the international development agencies of Sweden and Canada, Australia’s Environmental Protection Agency, and the Swiss-based International Union for Conservation of Nature.
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Media enquiries:
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (07) 4750 0846