Indian environmental economist Pavan Sukhdev and Swiss zoologist Markus Borner were named the winners Tuesday of this year's Blue Planet Prize for their contributions to helping solve global environment issues.
The Asahi Glass Foundation established the prize in 1992 to recognize research and innovation on environmental matters.
Sukhdev, a U.N. Environment Programme goodwill ambassador, was awarded the honor for being a pioneer in developing practical metrics and an economic rationale for transitioning toward an inclusive green economy, the Asahi Glass foundation said.
The organization recognized Borner, a former director at the Frankfurt Zoological Society Africa Program, for being at the forefront of conservation and management initiatives to protect endangered wildlife and protected-area ecosystems in Africa over the past 40 years.
Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko attended the awards ceremony, which was held at the Palace Hotel Tokyo, where the prince delivered a congratulatory speech to the recipients.
This year's winners were awarded ¥50 million each, a certificate of merit and a commemorative trophy.