Gilbert White, distinguished professor emeritus of geography at the University of Colorado at Boulder, is the recipient of a 2000 Millennium Award from the International Water Resources Association.
The six one-time awards were created to recognize outstanding contributions by individuals, institutions and programs to water resources planning and management around the world. The awards were presented at the 10th Stockholm Water Symposium in Sweden on Aug. 17.
"Gilbert White exemplifies the spirit of these Millennium Awards," said IWRA President Ben Braga. "For more than 60 years, he has devoted his efforts to the care and management of our water resources and his mark on the profession is profound.
"Professor White聮s pathbreaking work into the productive uses of floodplains led to the development of the discipline of floodplain management. His work has not only influenced floodplain management practices around the world, but has saved countless lives as well."
White also pioneered research into water supply and use. He contributed to the study of water issues in East Africa, the Aral Sea basin, the Lower Mekong basin and the Middle East. His work changed the way the profession thinks about water resources and how societies approach the management of water resources, the IWRA stated.
In addition to his outstanding research, IWRA honored White for his significant personal efforts in promoting discussion of controversial environmental issues. Since 1972, IWRA has been a leading advocate in advancing the understanding and management of water resources worldwide through its dialogue, education and research activities.
White is the founder of the CU-Boulder Natural Hazards Center, part of CU-Boulder's Institute of Behavioral Science. The center serves as an information clearinghouse for disaster professionals and publishes several periodicals including a free e-mail newsletter sent to 2,400 recipients around the world. The Natural Hazard Center's Web site is at .