2023 Ashden Award finalist
Thames21 is among one of sixteen outstanding organisations delivering innovative climate solutions that have reached the finals of the prestigious 2023 Ashden Awards.
240 organisations applied for the 2023 Ashden Awards, and Thames21/Enfield Council is one of just two finalists in the category of ‘Local Nature Recoverers’ after a rigorous assessment and judging process involving on-the-ground visits and input from sector experts.
Chris Coode, CEO at Thames21, said: “We are extremely honoured to be nominated for the Ashden Award in the Local Nature Recoverers category alongside our key partner, Enfield Council. I feel that this recognition is a testament to the way we work. Thames21 is one of London’s leading environmental charities, tackling the climate and biodiversity crisis by restoring rivers across London and the Thames Basin.
“The sustainable Enfield Chase Woodland Restoration Project has been a great success. Through a collaborative effort with local residents, we have restored rivers and created new ponds, woods and wetlands to build climate resilience in north London. This is part of our DNA.
“We know that healthy rivers are key to mitigating the most acute effects of climate change, including flood and water scarcity, restoring biodiversity and creating beautiful blue-green spaces for people and wildlife.
“Overall, we want to rebuild the bond between communities and their rivers. We unite communities in their understanding, enjoyment, advocacy, and stewardship of their rivers over the long term. At the same time, we can deliver powerful social impacts like improved wellbeing, community cohesion, and greater equality of access to good quality green-blue spaces for people to enjoy.”
Ashden, a UK charity, has been spotlighting transformative climate solutions for more than 20 years through their prestigious Ashden Awards scheme.
Dr Stephen Hall, Head of Awards at Ashden, said: “Our finalists are boundary-pushing pioneers cutting emissions and restoring nature. Crucially, they show how green jobs and community projects can drive a just transition and more equal society.”
“This blows apart the ridiculous idea that net zero will make us all worse off. Politicians should put our finalists and other trailblazers at the heart of inclusive, ambitious plans for a sustainable future.”
The finalists for all Awards will be judged by international specialists on each award category. The winners will be announced in London in-person/online on 14 November 2023. Winners will receive financial and strategic support.