The award was presented to Prof. Spriel for his unique contribution to awareness and activity in Israel and around the world in the areas of desertification processes, climate change and the environment, and the assessment of ecosystem services.
Over the years, Prof. Spriel has held a number of top scientific and public positions in Israel and around the world, including:
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Chair of the United Nations Scientific Committee for Combating Desert,
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Director of Desert Research Institutes,
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Lead author of two chapters of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report
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Lead author of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Project
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Editor of the National Biodiversity Program
