Title: "Youth Leadership in Water Resources Management, Women Empowerment"

Where: World Water Day, United Nations Office- Geneva (UNOG), Switzerland 

When: March 22nd, 2011

Awardees:

• Princess Dr. Mashael Bint Muhammad Bin Saud Bin Abdurrahman Al Saud (Saudi Arabia), researcher at the Space Institute of King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)
• Ms. Emel Zerrouk (United Kingdom), Kyoto University, Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Japan/UK, for “Land Grabbing/ Water Grabbing in Shared Water Basins: The Emergence of New Actors”

Princess Mashael: She was awarded for her outstanding efforts in the field of water, her participation in international innovations in the field, and her scientific initiative in applied research. Princess Dr. Mashael has made many contributions to the study of environmental issues, particularly in relation to environmental disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, floods, desertification, and sand encroachment. She used the latest GIS satellite technology and methods to create maps and images of the Jeddah region. She is the first Saudi researcher in the field of Geomorphology.

Ms. Emel Zerrouk: Ms. Zerrouk is recognized for her research on the role of new actors in the management of shared water basins. During her studies at the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Ms. Zerrouk conducted research for the GIWEH team for more than a year. She distinguished herself with her work on Integrated Water Resources Management. From 2010 to 2011, she was involved in developing research about water trade and water footprints, and delivered information at an international meeting.