The Josef Vavroušek Awards recognize individuals who protect nature, help improve the environment, and promote environmental awareness. This year, three female laureates and one male laureate received the award. Among them is Ivana Bufková, a biologist and ecologist who has long been dedicated to the restoration of wetlands, particularly peat bogs, springs, and mountain streams in the Šumava mountains. Water in nature has been her main focus since her doctoral studies, which she completed at the Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia. Since 1992, she has worked for the Šumava National Park and Protected Landscape Area Administration.
Thanks to her leadership of the international LIFE for MIRES project, more than 2,700 hectares of wetland landscape have been revitalized in Šumava and the Bavarian Forest since 2018.
“The area of restored land corresponds to four times the area of Prague 1. Ivana Bufková is literally bringing water back to Šumava. In addition, she has involved more than 1,800 volunteers in the restoration of the landscape and is also engaged in public education. Her work has concrete results in the landscape and inspires both professionals and the general public,” added Vladimír Kořen, chair of the expert jury for the Josef Vavroušek Award.
Ivana Bufková is also the author or co-author of a number of books, including popular science titles for children (Šumavská rašeliniště, Voda ztracená a vrácená, Království vody a mokřadů)—the latter of which received recognition for its clear and illustrative approach. She organizes talks and lectures for the public and schools and has been actively involved in educational and outreach activities for a long time.
Each year, the Partnership Foundation recognizes individuals who continue the legacy of ecological visionary Josef Vavroušek and tirelessly strive for a healthy environment—this year, for the twenty-ninth time.
