award ceremony - Nature Protection Prize for Wildlife Photographer and Environmentalist
The Berlin Natural Heritage Award goes to Matteo Schözel, a 16-year-old hobby wildlife photographer, and Achim Förster, a 74-year-old landscape developer, in this year. Additionally, Lichtenberger Gemeinschaftsschule Grüner Campus Malchow was awarded, as the Foundation Naturschutz Berlin announced. The prize money of 10,000 Euro will be distributed among the winners. The school receives 5,000 Euro, Förster 4,000 Euro, and Schözel 1,000 Euro for the young talent award. The award ceremony took place at Kulturzentrum ufaFabrik in Tempelhof.
Schözel reportedly did an internship with the city nature rangers at the age of 14 and today offers wildlife tours in Berlin - particularly to roe deer in the northwest of Berlin. "Matteo Schözel shows with only 16 years how inspiring and powerful the engagement of young people in nature conservation can be," it was stated in justification. Förster reportedly has been working for the preservation of Berlin's nature and biodiversity for more than 50 years. He has already planted more than a thousand trees in Berlin and initiated numerous initiatives for nature and environmental protection.
Foundation praises school for environmental engagement
The Grüner Campus Malchow performs "real pioneering work" in the field of environmental education, it was stated. The school offers, among other things, the subject of Environmental Education, as well as activities such as school garden work, beekeeping, and research trips to the North Sea.
The Foundation Naturschutz Berlin has been awarding the Berlin Natural Heritage Award annually since 1988. The prize honors both individuals as well as groups or institutions that commit themselves to animal protection, biological diversity, and innovative biotope conservation measures in Berlin.
Matteo Schözel's wildlife tours often take place in the northwest region of Berlin, where roe deer can be spotted. The award ceremony for this year's Berlin Natural Heritage Award was held at the Kulturzentrum ufaFabrik in Tempelhof. The Lichtenberger Gemeinschaftsschule Grüner Campus Malchow, which was also awarded, is commended for its significant contributions in the field of environmental education, incorporating topics like Environmental Education, school garden work, beekeeping, and research trips to the North Sea.
