Earth Champion Award

George Basch Earth Champion Award

Special note: We were saddened by the news that George was tragically killed in an accident in February 2024. As Earth Gives founding board member, he will always hold a special place in our hearts and as part of our story. 

This nearly 87-year-old began traveling internationally in 1962. His adventures took him to all seven continents multiple times and to more than 60 countries and territories. Across those years he had witnessed the destruction of natural habitat because of population pressures. He had also experienced the impact that these changes have had on the other species inhabiting our planet, and on the world’s weather and climate.

Fondly known as “Explorer George” for his curious adventuring soul and the journey to every continent, he was never still for long – even during his more seasoned years and during a pandemic. Right before the pandemic, Rhonda Bannard, Earth Gives’ founder, met George. They were brought together by a mutual friend and because George had started his own nonprofit that caught Rhonda’s attention. The Himalayan Stove Project brought healthier cooking options to the Nepalese and those in other communities. Yet when the pandemic hit, the organization’s work stopped. George pivoted to assist with the formation of Earth Gives and became one of the inaugural board members. 

With gusto, George reached out to many organizations he had connections with, including The Explorer’s Club and the Rotarians newly advancing work on the environment.  

Through zoom, calls, long emails and other outreach, George supported the organization’s efforts. Yet once the world opened up again, George was off to follow his exploring heart. Though he stepped off the board, George’s lifetime of commitment to the environment and early devotion to shaping Earth Gives not only landed him recognition as the Earth Champion for 2021, but also the namesake to all future awards to come.  

Earth Gives and its board of directors presented George Basch with the inaugural Earth Champion Award for his hard work here and in celebration of his decades of work, exploration, and championing a more sustainable world. He has been celebrated by many others including The Explorer’s Club. George had called Taos, New Mexico his home.

2022 George Basch Earth Champion Award

David Lawlor, formerly of Western Environmental Law Center, now Director of Philanthropy with the California Ocean Science Trust

2023 George Basch Earth Champion Award

Casey Bartrem, Ph.D., Executive Director, Terragraphics International Foundation