Award for Merit 2015

Director, Everglades Wetland Research Park / USA

Professor Mitsch is being honoured for his many achievements, including as co-author of the innovative textbook Wetlands, which has been described as the “wetland bible” and the “single best combination text and reference book on wetland ecology”.

The book has essentially defined the field of wetland science since its first edition in 1986.

In 1992-2012, Professor Mitsch designed, built and managed one of the most productive riverine wetland research laboratories in the world, the Olentangy River Wetland Research Park. In 2008 this 20-hectare wetland site became the 24th  Ramsar Site in the USA. Its success helped to encourage a 50% increase in Ramsar Sites since then and has been the model for wetland research parks around the world.

In 2012, he became a Professor and Eminent Scholar at Florida Gulf Coast University and Director of Everglades Wetland Research Park in Florida. The laboratory has already established a reputation as a destination for visiting wetland scientists from around the world and a key location to address the restoration of large ecosystems such as the Florida Everglades.

Professor Mitsch was instrumental in organizing two important international meetings related to wetlands (INTECOL Wetland Conference 1992, EcoSummit 2012, which he chaired).

Professor Mitsch is the Chair of the Ramsar Committee USA and is an inspiring teacher to all those who work under his guidance.

We are delighted to present Professor Mitsch with the Merit Award for his trail-blazing work in wetlands and education on the importance of wetlands.

www.fgcu.edu/swamp