The award ceremony came just days after Paul attended Climate Week in New York City, where he joined the Planetary Guardians event alongside some of the most iconic environmental leaders of our time.

Among them was Jane Goodall, who had received the very first SAFE Award back in 2003. Paul reflected on the moment: “Aoife Kelleher and I were spellbound listening to every word Jane Goodall said. She electrified the room the moment she took the stage. You know you are experiencing history. She led a remarkable life. She was sitting in the row behind Aoife and me at the Planetary Guardians event, and what struck me — apart from how moving her speech was — was that she was completely alert and focused throughout the entire session. Sitting up, eyes on the other speakers, focused and engaged. Maybe that characteristic of innate attentiveness was part of what led her to be such an incredibly intuitive observer of nature. Feeling very grateful to have been there last week.”

The poignancy of hearing Jane Goodall speak — and then standing days later to receive the same award she was first honoured with more than 20 years ago — was not lost on Paul: “Jane Goodall and Sylvia Earle were the first recipients in 2003 and 2004 of the Stroud Water Research Center Award. So it was a little surreal to find myself at Stroud, receiving the same recognition.”

The sense of history deepened when news broke on October 1, 2025, of Jane Goodall’s passing — only days after these intertwined events.  At the Winterthur Museum, Paul received the award in the presence of Stroud leadership, researchers, and supporters. Among those in attendance were:

• • Dr. Dave B. Arscott, President, Executive Director, and Research Scientist, who led the presentation

  • Michael Bucklin, Chairman of the Board, Stroud Water Research Center

  • Rodman Moorhead IV, Vice Chairman of the Board

The evening blended the gravitas of recognition with the warmth of a community bound by its shared mission to protect freshwater ecosystems. Paul described the honour as deeply humbling: “I am absolutely delighted and humbled to be considered for the award. It’s a great honor and one I am very appreciative of.”

About Stroud Water Research Center

Founded in 1967, the Stroud Water Research Center has become a world leader in freshwater science, education, and watershed restoration. Based in Avondale, Pennsylvania, Stroud’s work ranges from pioneering studies of stream and river ecosystems to hands-on educational programs that inspire the next generation of water stewards.

Through research, restoration projects, and partnerships across the globe, Stroud continues to expand understanding of freshwater systems and drive solutions to protect one of our most vital resources.

A tribute to Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall’s legacy loomed large over this year’s award. As one of the very first SAFE Award recipients, her example has guided the path for others who dedicate their lives to planetary health.

Her passing on October 1, 2025, has left the world mourning a giant in science and advocacy — yet her voice and influence endure. For Paul, to hear her speak in New York and then, days later, to stand on stage at Stroud to accept the same honour she once received, was both surreal and profoundly moving.

Looking ahead

The SAFE Award is not only a recognition of Paul’s contributions but also a reminder that water challenges are deeply interwoven with the broader story of planetary stewardship. As Stroud’s history shows, those honoured with this award belong to a lineage of changemakers whose influence ripples outward across science, policy, and society.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Paul for this well-deserved recognition, and we join the global community in honouring the extraordinary life and legacy of Jane Goodall.