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"Award for the Right Life"
Nicknamed the Alternative Nobel, the Right Livelihood Award was established 27 years ago by Jakob Uexkull, recognised in 2005 with the title of Hero of the Year by Time magazine.
In 1980 when this ex-European MP and keen stamp collector suggested that the Nobel Committee introduce a specific recognition for the environment and human development, he was met with indifference. Uexkull didn’t lose heart, but instead sold his prized stamp collection to raise 1 million dollars to start his foundation.
Presented in Stockholm the day before the Nobel ceremony and skilfully maximising the media platform, the Right Livelihood Award includes hundreds of prizes to numerous environmental activists.
The founder of The Ecologist magazine, militant Canadian water activists, a Bushman chief who defends the Kalahari desert from the speculation of mining companies, a German engineer who has campaigned tirelessly in favour of solar power, a group of Cuban farmers for their efforts in organic farming.
The real vindication of this otherworldly Nobel was the award of 230,000 dollars to the Kenyan Wangari Maathai, who would go on to won the Nobel Prize 20 years later.
(09/06/2007)
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