Dr Fritz Balkau (BSc(Hons) 1968, PhD 1972, DipEd 1974)

Distinguished Alumni Award 2009

Dr Fritz Balkau is a leading expert on environmental management policy. From 1999 to 2005, he was Head of Sustainable Production and Consumption with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Paris.

Dr Balkau has recently retired but continues to advise governments and industries around the globe about preventing environmental hazards. He is also a board member of the International Cyanide Management Institute.

In nominating Dr Balkau, Leonard Makin (BSc 1965, DipEd 1966), notes that “Fritz has spent a life’s work improving our ability to cope with our industrial footprint on the earth. He has been working towards sustainable development since before the phrase was coined.”

Dr Balkau’s efforts, through UNEP, have prompted governments and industries to develop training programs and regulations for the production, treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes. Such programs have enabled countries to prepare for emergencies including environmentally disastrous chemical accidents and for the aftermath of natural disasters such as bushfires.

Over his career, Dr Balkau has authored numerous publications and has been invited to speak at conferences around the world.

Ian Thomas, who supported Dr Balkau’s nomination, acknowledges that his work “has had a significant impact in Australia and throughout the world”. He writes: “Like the good scientist he is, Fritz has concentrated his involvement in the areas where he can make a positive and significant contribution based on thorough research, knowledge and experience.”

Download the video presentation about Dr Balkau:
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