An India-born water management expert has been awarded the $150,000 Stockholm Water Prize for his multi-faceted contribution to global water resource issues, including research, education and creating awareness in both developing and developed countries.
Asit K Biswas, now a Canadian citizen, is the president of the Mexico-based Third World Center for Water management.
He was cited for helping 'foster a critical rethink' among UN agencies, governments and others about how to improve the delivery of water and sanitation services.
He received the prize from Swedish Crown Princess Victoria at a ceremony in Stockholm on Thursday.
Biswas founded the International Journal of Water Resources Development and has been its editor-in-chief for the past 21 years.
While many highly-qualified experts in aquatic disciplines distinguish themselves as academicians, practitioners, government advisors, or writers and lecturers, Biswas, with his wide knowledge, is highly recognised in all of these areas.
Most importantly, he has, over a broad front, applied his skills internationally, thereby adding new dimensions to the wise use and management of the global water resources, the citation said.
The Stockholm Water Prize is a global award founded in 1990 and presented annually to an individual, organisation or institution for outstanding water-related activities.
The activities can be in fields like education, human and international relations, water management, water-related aid.
King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden is the Patron of the Water Prize.