Launched in January 2022, 100 years after the death of Sir Ernest Shackleton, the award recognises Hadow’s decades-long commitment to protect the central Arctic Ocean and his latest initiative to establish a Marine Protected Area in the region. 

Hadow is a renowned British explorer who has completed several solo expeditions to the North Pole, including the first-ever solo, unaided trek from Canada to the North Pole in 2003. He was also the first Briton to reach both the North and South Geographic Poles from their respective continental coastlines, without resupply by third parties.

Hadow is the founder of the 90North Foundation, which, in partnership with Exeter University’s marine research faculty, is at the forefront of efforts to protect the Arctic Ocean from evolving threats (shipping, oil & gas exploration, militarisation) arising from the disappearance of sea ice. As well as direct campaigning, his work is focused on providing governments, NGOs and corporates with the scientific evidence needed to help bring about the world’s largest Marine Protected Area in the central Arctic Ocean by 2030, which would safeguard the region’s biodiversity and provide a vital habitat for marine life.

“The Shackleton Medal is awarded to individuals who show leadership, courage, ingenuity and determination in service of polar protection. Having spent many years of his life in the Arctic, Pen Hadow has devoted himself to its safekeeping and seeks to achieve a similar level of protection for the newly accessible Central Arctic Ocean that Antarctica enjoys via the Antarctic Treaty. We think he is a tough, committed and worthy winner; we are certain the Boss, Sir Ernest, would agree.” said Martin Brooks, co-founder of British expeditional and apparel brand Shackleton.