In a significant recognition of his tireless environmental advocacy, Niwat Roykaew, fondly known as “Kru Thi”, has become the first Thai recipient of the renowned Leader on the Frontlines Award. Bestowed by the Asia Foundation in its headquarters in San Francisco, this award celebrates the relentless efforts of Mr. Niwat to preserve the pristine ecosystems of the Mekong River and the livelihoods of its resident communities. Notably, the Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organisation committed to improving lives across the dynamic landscape of Asia.
At 64, Mr. Niwat holds reputable positions as the chairman of the Chiang Khong Conservation Group and the director of the Mekong School’s Institute of Local Knowledge. His most acclaimed accomplishment lies in rallying communities to successfully thwart a series of disastrous explosions and dam constructions that, if left unchecked, would have wreaked irreparable havoc on the river and its dependents. According to the Foundation, his unparalleled involvement in environmental conservation led him to this moment of international recognition.
Mr. Niwat has now joined an esteemed list of illustrious achievers as the sixth recipient of the 2023 Chang-Lin Tien Distinguished Leadership Award. Presented to him last Thursday amidst an august gathering in San Francisco, this prestigious award lauds his unyielding commitment to conserving the Mekong River precinct and promoting sustainable community livelihoods.
Expressing extreme humility, Mr. Niwat said, “I am truly humbled that our efforts to protect the Mekong River have garnered global attention. This reward is not my sole possession, but a shared acknowledgement of the civil society sector working tirelessly in natural resource protection for many years.” He further shared his aspiration to utilize this platform for the dissemination of environmental awareness and encourage people around the world in environmental resource protection, emphasizing that it is a global responsibility and not confined to just one nation.
The enviable award was created to commemorate the legacy of the late Chang-Lin Tien, the former chair of the Asia Foundation’s Board of Trustees and the former chancellor of the University of California at Berkeley. Carrying forward his indomitable spirit, recipients of this award are recognized for their leadership roles in steering impactful changes across Asia and beyond.
Be First to Comment