His insights into this endangered bird of prey and its means of subsistence are extremely valuable, and have led to an effective protection programme. Without Antoni Margalida’s unique expertise and tireless engagement, the strengthening of the Bearded Vulture population in the Pyrenees and the relocation of these vultures in the Alps would scarcely have been possible.
Ms. Iris Staubesand received a special recognition prize for her master’s thesis on organic farming in Switzerland. Her thesis seeks to explain why the number of organic farms markedly increased between 1999 and 2005, only to begin declining from 2005 to 2008. It is an outstanding example of dedicated analytical research that helps answer relevant societal questions.
The University of Bern extended its thanks to CSL Behring AG and Energie Wasser Bern whose generous contributions have made the 2013/14 prizes possible.
For more information about the Prize for Environmental Research visit http://www.ufp.unibe.ch/