Citation

Mr. Nicanor Perlas successfully solved problems of growing food without pesticides.  His approach not only increased yields and net incomes but also alleviated poverty.  Perlas pioneered a method which is a variation of the bio-dynamic and ecological agriculture approach while incorporating the best in indigenous farming practices.  This method is currently the basis for the country’s two largest examples of sustainable agriculture.

In Davao del Sur, 800 areas of sustainable rice farming have seen the net income of farmers increase by 200 percent without any use of pesticides.  Perlas succeeded in focusing national attention and action on the hidden practice of using pesticides already banned or restricted in other countries.  Twice he galvanized public and Government action resulting in the banning of eight highly hazardous pesticides.  He also succeeded in convincing the Government to initiate policy reforms to reduce and phase our pesticides in farming.  He pioneered the concept of seven dimensions of sustainability:  economic viability, social justice and equity, cultural pluralism, holistic science, appropriate technology and human capacities and spirituality.  These dimensions are now part of the national sustainable agriculture coalition.

GLOBAL 500 ROLL OF HONOR
UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME

The Global 500 Award, the UNEP’s highest international award for environmental achievement, is given out every year to individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the protection of the environment.  As of 1994, about 562 awards have been given since it was launched in 1987.  Previous awardees include French marine explorer Jacques Cousteau; wildlife film producer David Attenborough; the late Chico Mendes who fought to save the Amazon forest, the World Wide Fund for Nature and former US President Jimmy Carter.

The United Nations Environment Programme certified that Nicanor Perlas has been elected to the Global 500 Roll of Honour of the United Nations Environment Programme in recognition of outstanding practical achievements in the protection and improvement of the environment on 05 June 1994.