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“With 173 rich and poor countries coming together to work collaboratively on the shared water systems of our planet, we are proud that Al has put the objectives of AWRA into practice globally,” Ken Reid, AWRA executive director said. The group recognized him at its recent awards luncheon in Seattle, Wash. November 11.
The award cites a "fellow member for his service to the Association and his outstanding contributions to the water resources community."
Monique Barbut, GEF CEO and chairperson, noted that Duda's water resources management work has helped some of the world’s most vulnerable gain access to clean water.
“Water does not respect national boundaries, and multi-country actions are necessary to foster sustainable development in a meaningful way, “ Mrs. Barbut said. “ Al's work at the GEF has been an important catalyst toward helping countries work with their neighbors to modify man-made stresses on water resources. And in this way water use conflicts have been prevented, security improved, and sustainable resource use fostered in support of our global goals.”
Before his 14 year tenure at the GEF, Duda was part of an internal World Bank team that crafted the 1993 Water Resources Management Policy that still guides the Bank’s framework in this area.
Prior to his Bank service he worked for the U. S. State department as director and chief of diplomatic mission of the Great Lakes Office of the International Joint Commission (Canada and U.S.) He also worked in a series of management positions in the water quality regulatory agency of the State of North Carolina and for the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Duda holds a doctorate from Duke University and has been an active member of AWRA for almost 30 years.
About the Global Environment Facility (GEF)
GEF unites 182 countries in partnership with international institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector to address global environmental issues while supporting national sustainable development initiatives. Today the GEF is the largest funder of projects to improve the global environment. An independent financial organization, the GEF provides grants for projects related to biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation, the ozone layer, and persistent organic pollutants. Since 1991, GEF has achieved a strong track record with developing countries and countries with economies in transition, providing $8.6 billion in grants and leveraging $36.1 billion in co-financing for more than 2,400 projects in over 165 countries. www.thegef.org
About the American Water Resources Association
Founded in 1964, the American Water Resources Association is a non-profit professional association dedicated to the advancement of men and women in water resources management, research, and education. AWRA’s membership is multidisciplinary; its diversity is its hallmark. It is the professional home of a wide variety of water resources experts including engineers, educators, foresters, biologists, ecologists, geographers, managers, regulators, hydrologists and attorneys.