Whitley Awards 2012: UK and International Media Coverage Dossier
Transcripción
Whitley Awards 2012: UK and International Media Coverage Dossier
THE WHITLEY AWARDS 2012 - PRESS COVERAGE Whitley Award Winners 2012 Rodrigo Medellin – MEXICO *Gold Award Winner* Winner of The Whitley Gold Award donated by The Friends of the Whitley Fund for Nature Lisel Alamilla – BELIZE The Whitley Award donated by The William Brake Charitable Trust Joanna Alfaro Shigueto – PERU The Whitley Award Award donated by Goldman Sachs Budiono - INDONESIA The Whitley Award donated by WWF-UK Inza Kone – IVORY COAST The Whitley Award donated by The Shears Foundation Josia Razafindramanana - MADAGASCAR The Whitley Award donated by The LJC Fund Bernal Rodriguez Herrera - ARGENTINA The Whitley Award donated by The Garfield Weston Foundation Carlos Vasquez-Almazan – GUATEMALA The Whitley Award donated by Fondation Segré 1 Rodrigo Medellin Mexico 2004 Whitley Award winner Bat Conservation in Mexico and Latin America _________________________________________________ Winner of The Whitley Gold Award donated by The Friends of Whitley Fund for Nature _________________________________________________ 2 FURTHER MEDIA COVERAGE ACHIEVED In addition to the following coverage: RADIO Rodrigo was interviewed on: BBC Radio 4’s MidWeek – 8th May 2012 WEBSITES Rodrigo film has been shown on many websites including: Youtube.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhSBOn1kNFg Wn.com http://wn.com/Rodrigo_Medellin_speech_at_the_Whitley_Awards_2012,_9th_May 3 Telegraph online showing Rodrigo’s Whitley Award film 17th May 2012 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/9271764/Whitley-Fund-for-Nature-Awardgiven-to-bat-expert-for-conservation-achievement.html Whitley Fund for Nature Award given to bat expert for conservation achievement Bat expert Dr Rodrigo Medellin, of Mexico, has become the first winner of a newly-created annual award from the Whitley Fund for Nature honouring an outstanding individual contribution to conservation. Dr Medellin received his award from the charity’s Patron Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) during a ceremony at the Royal Geographical Society, London, at which grants worth a total of £240,000 were given out. The Gold Award comes with £30,000 project funding, donated by The Friends of Whitley Fund for Nature. The remaining £210,000 is shared by the latest seven winners of Whitley Awards for inspirational leadership – an accolade Dr Medellin won in 2004 and which he credits with helping him to set up his conservation non-profit BIOCONCIENCIA. In a film shown at the ceremony, wildlife broadcaster Sir David Attenborough said: “There is arguably no one who has done more for the conservation of bats in Latin America than 2004 Whitley Award winner, Rodrigo Medellin. His pioneering work to highlight the vital role that bats play in the ecosystem, and their importance to people’s lives, has had a tremendous impact on the way bats are perceived in his native Mexico and beyond. “ 4 Dr Medellin’s most recent achievement is that, thanks to conservation measures he put in place, the lesser long-nosed bat will soon become the first species ever to be removed from Mexico’s Federal List of Endangered Species. WFN’s Acting Director David Wallis said: “Dr Medellin’s work with the lesser longnosed bat is a shining example of the projects Whitley Fund for Nature seeks to support through its flagship Whitley Awards scheme. Most people won’t have heard of this species but they will know of a product which might also be in danger if this bat was lost - tequila.” David Wallis added: “The drink is made from agave plant and lesser long-nosed bats are its main natural pollinator. Mexico’s commercial crops are currently being hit by a new infection which has already damaged a third of the plants in a 400,000 hectares area. As a result, farmers are turning back to the bats to add more variety to the crop, to try to fend off damage. In this way, what is good for wildlife is proving helpful to people as well – exactly what our judges look for.” 5 El Economista National Daily Newspaper, Mexico 9th May 2012 : Mexicano gana su segundo “Oscar verde” Rodrigo Medellín no sólo es el primer biólogo en el mundo que gana dos veces el prestigioso premio Whitley, al que se ha llamado el Oscar Verde, sino que este segundo es un “nuevo” Whitley que coloca al mexicano como campeón de campeones de la conservación. Los Whitley se han dedicado a “honrar trabajos sobresalientes de conservación que beneficien tanto a especies en peligro de extinción como a sus vecinos humanos”. Hasta este año, el Whitley Gold se entregaba al que se considerara el mejor proyecto de cada año, pero de ahora en adelante el máximo premio se entregará a un ganador del Whitley que haya usado el dinero del premio en forma particularmente destacable. David Wallis, presidente del Whitley Fund for Nature, comenta que el doctor Medellín, primer ganador de esta modalidad, “es todo un caso” y “un muy meritorio receptor del Whitley Gold Award en su nueva faceta”. 6 Si bien no se siente muy dispuesto a tratar de adivinar lo que pasó por la cabeza de los jueces que le dieron el premio, a partir de lo que Medellín nos cuenta de su trabajo es posible aventurar algunas hipótesis . UNA LARGA CARRERA EN DESVENTAJA “La verdad es que si trabajas con animales digamos carismáticos, con ballenas, primates, águilas, cóndores, ya tienes la mitad del camino recorrido. Nosotros con los murciélagos salimos desde antes de que hubiera camino, la verdad es que los murciélagos tienen, sobre todo antes, una mala imagen”. Y ciertamente el camino de Rodrigo ha sido largo. Su fascinación por las naturaleza empezó desde los cuatro o cinco años, y fue tal que a los nueve concursó en el El premio de los 64,000 pesos. Unos investigadores del Instituto de Biología de la UNAM lo vieron en la tele y lo invitaron a una salida de campo cuando tenía 12 años. Lo llevaron a una cueva de murciélagos. “Me di cuenta de que sabía todas aquellas cosas sobre los animales africanos y asiáticos y que de mi país no sabía nada. Y aquello era fascinante”. Años después, ya con doctorado en mamíferos, regresó a sus murciélagos y tristemente se dio “cuenta de que les han declarado la guerra como los enviados del mal, como vectores de enfermedades, que dicen que son animales sucios... Cuando protegen las cosechas y plantas de diversos ecosistemas, obtenemos de ellos grandes beneficios. Creo de verdad que son los animales más injustamente maltratados del planeta”. Entonces, poco a poco armó la ONG Bioconciencia, que inició operaciones en el 2003 en cuatro estados. “Nuestro trabajo ha ido desde cambiar la percepción que se tiene de estos animales, hasta la investigación a fondo. Tenemos programas muy fuertes de educación, trabajamos con la gente de las comunidades y con los gobiernos federal y estatal”. BUENOS NÚMEROS DE EXPORTACIÓN “En México hay 138 especies de murciélagos, es el sexto país con más especies en el mundo”, cuenta el biólogo, que tiene otros números. Por ejemplo, los de la enorme Cueva de la Boca, que en alguna época llegó a tener entre 10 y 15 millones de murciélagos y que llegó a bajar hasta 100,000, “es una reducción del 99%, pero desde que estamos en la zona empieza a crecer y en el 2011 la población ya era de 2.5 millones”. Otro ejemplo, con cifras poco exactas pero muy reveladoras, es que “hace unos 20 años, cuando, por ejemplo, en un programa de radio alguien decía alguna barbaridad sobre los 7 murciélagos, éramos los primeros y en general los únicos que hablábamos para quejarnos, ahora somos como los veinteavos, mucha gente ya sabe que hay que cuidarlos”. Con éxitos como ésos, se fue corriendo la voz “y entonces me llamó gente de Bolivia para que fuéramos a hacer un taller allá. Les ayudamos, pero con la idea de tener cero interferencia, no podemos funcionar al estilo Estados Unidos, no podemos llegar a decir: así tienen que hacer las cosas. Ellos conocen mejor que nosotros su problema y sus necesidades, entonces nosotros les contamos nuestro modelo y nuestras experiencias para que ellos lo adaptaran”. Después los llamaron de Guatemala, Costa Rica, Chile, “con el resultado de que en el 2007 creamos una red latinoamericana de protección, única en su tipo, donde 18 países tiene una estrategia común, comparten objetivos y las prioridades”. Y no sólo han exportado a otros países, también a otras familias de animales: “Nos están invitando a que por favor les expliquemos nuestro modelo gente que trabaja con venados y con otros animales”. NO ES PREMIO, SINO COMPROMISO Al viaje a Inglaterra, Medellín se llevó un anuncio bajo el brazo. “Hay una especie de murciélagos que es la responsable de que tengamos el tequila y el mezcal porque poliniza los agaves y en 1994 entró a la lista de especies amenazadas. Ahora ya demostramos que la especie está recuperada, tenemos por lo menos dos colonias nuevas de varios miles de individuos, entonces, he sometido la propuesta para que esta especie salga de la lista. “Y es una muy buena noticia, en especial porque en conservación siempre tenemos malas noticias, todo es malo, todo es horrible. “Lo quiero cacarear mucho, no nomás porque lo hicimos nosotros sino porque sí creo que a veces los biólogos de la conservación nos dedicamos a enlistar especies y luego a vivir de ellas, a pedir más y más dinero para rescatarlas. Pero hay que rescatarla de verdad, hay que dar ese paso, se lo debemos a los donadores, a la especie y nos lo debemos a nosotros mismos”. Así, Rodrigo no ve el Whitley Gold nueva versión como un reconocimiento a su trayectoria ni de la de los “héroes” que forman su equipo. “Un premio de este tipo es un compromiso de renovar esfuerzos y seguir adelante, nos pone a la vista, nos pone el reto de seguir trabajando”. EL PREMIO WHITLEY 8 El Informador Daily Newspaper, Mexico 10th May 2012 Recibe científico mexicano premio por conservación ecológica El científico mexicano Rodrigo Medellín, reconocido por su labor en pro de los murciélagos. La princesa Ana, hija de la Reina Elizabeth II, otorgó el premio que consiste en 30 mil libras (unos 652 mil pesos mexicanos) Durante una ceremonia en la Real Sociedad de Geografía de Londres, el investigador de la UNAM fue reconocido por su contribución al estudio de los murciélagos y beneficios a la agricultura en el control de plagas, dispersión de semillas y polinización de especies ecológicas El científico mexicano Rodrigo Medellín ganó el premio Whitley Oro, el de mayor relevancia del Fondo Whitley para la Naturaleza, por su contribución a la conservación ecológica mundial. Durante una ceremonia en la Real Sociedad de Geografía en esta ciudad el investigador de la UNAM fue reconocido por su contribución al estudio de los murciélagos y beneficios a la agricultura en el control de plagas, dispersión de semillas y polinización de especies ecológicas. "Estamos hablando de un grupo de animales que tienen una de las peores reputaciones 9 que no son justificadas", afirmó el doctor Rodrigo Medellín. "Son injustamente maltratados en todo el mundo y este premio da la oportunidad una vez más para que se rectifique el camino respecto a la imagen que tiene la gente de los murciélagos", señaló. Aseguró que esto abre la oportunidad para elevar el perfil de México en el extranjero y "que demos al mundo la dimensión justa y verdadera de nuestro país donde tenemos una inmensa capacidad tecnológica y científica", subrayó el especialista en Biología. Explicó que en México existen 138 especies de murciélagos que tienen un "valor importantísimo e insospechado y no agradecido" para los ecosistemas. Recordó que gracias a los murciélagos se pueden polinizar especies ecológicas como los agaves de México de donde se extrae el tequila. Los pequeños mamíferos con alas por millones de años han polinizado los agaves, "así que a fin de cuentas la bebida que con tanto orgullo nos bebemos los mexicanos se la debemos a los murciélagos", enfatizó el investigador mexicano. La princesa Ana, hija de la Reina Elizabeth II, otorgó el premio que consiste en 30 mil libras (unos 652 mil pesos mexicanos). Medellín fue galardonado con el mayor reconocimiento del Fondo Whitley, conocidos como los Óscar verdes con el principal de ocho premios que otorga la organización ambientalista cada año. El científico mexicano señaló que la mejor forma de celebrarlo fue con un tequila hecho de agave 100 por ciento mexicano que degustaron los presentes a la ceremonia que brindaron "a la salud de los murciélagos", a excepción de la princesa Ana que se abstuvo de beber. El propio Medellín explicó que el premio tiene una relevancia mundial y enfatizó que lo importante es "darle una relevancia a México que tenemos que recobrar". 10 La Jornada, Jaalisco Daily Newspaper, Mexico 10th May http://www.lajornadajalisco.com.mx/2012/05/10/recibe-cientifico-mexicano-premiopor-conservacion-ecologica/ Recibe científico mexicano premio por conservación ecológica El científico mexicano Rodrigo Medellín ganó el premio Whitley Oro, el de mayor relevancia del Fondo Whitley para la Naturaleza, por su contribución a la conservación ecológica mundial. Durante una ceremonia en la Real Sociedad de Geografía en esta ciudad el investigador de la UNAM fue reconocido por su contribución al estudio de los murciélagos y beneficios a la agricultura en el control de plagas, dispersión de semillas y polinización de especies ecológicas. “Estamos hablando de un grupo de animales que tienen una de las peores reputaciones que no son justificadas”, afirmó el doctor Rodrigo Medellín. “Son injustamente maltratados en todo el mundo y este premio da la oportunidad una vez más para que se rectifique el camino respecto a la imagen que tiene la gente de los murciélagos”, señaló. Aseguró que esto abre la oportunidad para elevar el perfil de México en el extranjero y “que demos al mundo la dimensión justa y verdadera de nuestro país donde tenemos una inmensa capacidad tecnológica y científica”, subrayó el especialista en Biología. Explicó que en México existen 138 especies de murciélagos que tienen un “valor importantísimo e insospechado y no agradecido” para los ecosistemas. Recordó que gracias a los murciélagos se pueden polinizar especies ecológicas como los agaves de México de donde se extrae el tequila. Los pequeños mamíferos con alas por millones de años han polinizado los agaves, “así que a fin de cuentas la bebida que con tanto orgullo nos bebemos los mexicanos se la debemos a los murciélagos”, enfatizó el investigador mexicano. La princesa Ana, hija de la Reina Elizabeth II, otorgó el premio que consiste en 30 mil libras (unos 48 mil dólares). Medellín fue galardonado con el mayor reconocimiento del Fondo Whitley, conocidos como los Óscar verdes con el principal de ocho premios que otorga la organización ambientalista cada año. El científico mexicano señaló que la mejor forma de celebrarlo fue con un tequila hecho de agave 100 por ciento mexicano que degustaron los presentes a la ceremonia que brindaron “a la salud de los murciélagos”, a excepción de la princesa Ana que se abstuvo de beber. El propio Medellín explicó que el premio tiene una relevancia mundial y enfatizó que lo importante es “darle una relevancia a México que tenemos que recobrar. 11 BBC Radio 4 Midweek th 9 May 2012 SYNOPSIS Joining Libby Purves will be bat expert Dr Rodrigo Medellin, filmmaker Hannah Rothschild, playwright Michael Ashton and former diplomat Sir Roger Carrick. Dr Rodrigo Medellin is a scientist and bat expert. He will become the first recipient of the Whitley Fund for Nature's Gold Award for outstanding achievement in nature conservation in recognition of his efforts to de-demonise vampire bats. He has also successfully re-established Mexico's lesser long-nosed bats which are about to be taken off of the endangered species list. He is International Union for Conservation of Nature (UCN) Ambassador for the 'International Year of the Bat'. Hannah Rothschild is a writer and filmmaker. She is also the great niece of Pannonica Rothschild who left her husband and five children to live among the black jazz musicians in New York and whose great love was the legendary Thelonious Monk. Hannah first heard about her eccentric great aunt at the age of 11 and has been investigating her life ever since. Her book, 'The Baroness - the search for Nica, the rebellious Rothschild' is published by Virago. The documentary 'The Jazz Baroness', directed by Hannah, is also available on DVD by 3DD Productions. 12 Michael Ashton was a human rights lawyer before he served a prison sentence for fraud. In prison he learnt playwriting through the Synergy Theatre Project, winning an award for his first play 'The Archbishop and the Antichrist'. His new play, 'The Beekeeper' based on true events - tells the story of the relationship between the camp's Kommandant and a prisoner who survived Auschwitz because he was a skilled beekeeper. 'The Beekeeper' is at Waterloo East Theatre, London. Sir Roger Carrick is a former British diplomat. His book, 'Diplomatic Anecdotage Around the World in 40 Years' recounts his memories of life working in the British diplomatic service. Roger has been posted around the world from Bulgaria to Berkeley and Indonesia to Australia. He was shadowed by the secret police in Sofia, witnessed the 1968 riots in Paris, and negotiated the withdrawal of British troops from Singapore. His career includes positions as ambassador to Indonesia and High Commissioner to Australia. 'Diplomatic Anecdotage - Around the World in 40 Years' is published by Elliott & Thompson. Producer: Paula McGinley. RELATED LINKS The Whitley Fund for Nature (whitleyaward.org) 13 14 IUCN Red list 12th May 2012 http://www.iucnredlist.org/news/iucn-bat-expert-wins-prestigious-conservation-award IUCN bat expert wins prestigious conservation award Many congratulations to Rodrigo Medellín, co-chair of the IUCN SSC Bat Specialist Group, who has been awarded the 2012 Whitely Gold Award, donated by The Friends of Whitley Fund for Nature, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to conservation. Rodrigo received his award from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) during a ceremony at the Royal Geographical Society, London, on 9th May, 2012. For the first time, the Whitley Gold Award has been presented to a previous Whitely Award winner in recognition of Rodrigo’s continued conservation efforts to protect bats and other animals in Mexico since receiving a Whitely Award in 2004. “There is arguably no one who has done more for the conservation of bats in Latin America than 2004 Whitley Award winner, Rodrigo Medellin,” said Sir David Attenborough, wildlife broadcaster, during a film shown at the ceremony. “His pioneering work to highlight the vital role that bats play in the ecosystem, and their importance to people’s lives, has had a tremendous impact on the way bats are perceived in his native Mexico and beyond.” In areas where Rodrigo’s conservation action has been put into place bat populations have invariably remained stable or even increased, and due to Rodrigo’s dedication, the Lesser Long-nosed Bat (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae) will be the first ever species to be removed from Mexico’s Federal List of Endangered Species. The success was achieved through research and strong conservation education programmes that have presented bats in a more positive way and made people aware of their value. Similar projects have been established in Bolivia, Costa Rica and Guatemala to good success and the Latin American Network for Bat Conservation has also been established. The Whitley Gold Award is accompanied by £30,000 project funding which Rodrigo will use to continue his conservation work. Upon receiving the award Rodrigo said “This Award gives me an additional reason to strive and surpass anything I’ve done before." 15 Cronica Daily Newspaper, Mexico 10th May 2012 http://www.cronica.com.mx/nota.php?id_nota=659714 Reconocen a Rodrigo Medellín por conservación de murciélagos El científico de la UNAM, Rodrigo Medellín, una autoridad internacional en materia de murciélagos, fue premiado por el Fondo Whitley para la Naturaleza en Londres por su investigación sobre estos mamíferos voladores, lo que para él supone una prueba de que el público ha empezado a valorarlos. El experto dijo que este premio es para él “un honor” porque “significa que los murciélagos están siendo reconocidos por lo que valen y por los beneficios que nos aportan a los seres humanos”. “He dedicado mi vida -dijo- a demostrarle al mundo que realmente los murciélagos son una fuente de beneficios constantes para el ser humano. Este premio me hace pensar que el sentimiento de la gente hacia los murciélagos está cambiando de manera significativa”. Lamentó que el principal riesgo para los murciélagos es la ignorancia y la falta de conocimiento del público, que tristemente genera un miedo y un odio completamente irracional a estos animales. El científico mexicano subrayó que uno de los principales beneficios de los murciélagos para los seres humanos es el control biológico de las plagas agrícolas, ya que la mayoría de estos animales se alimentan de insectos. “Según nuestros estudios, cada millón de murciélagos destruye aproximadamente diez toneladas de insectos cada noche. Sin ellos, los insectos se comerían cosechas enteras de maíz, algodón, frijol o chile”, precisó Medellín. En este sentido, Medellín descubrió en sus investigaciones que el valor económico del control de plagas agrícolas por parte de los murciélagos equivale a 700 mil dólares por cada cien kilómetros cuadrados de cultivo de algodón. 16 Conservation on Migratory Species 15th May 2012 http://www.cms.int/news/PRESS/nwPR2012/05_may/nw_150512_medellin_whitley.h tm CMS Congratulates Year of the Bat Ambassador Rodrigo Medellin on Whitley Award 2012 Bonn, 15 May 2012 - CMS would like to express its congratulations to Latin America’s most renowned bat researcher for his outstanding conservation achievements. The Whitley Fund for Nature bestowed its newly-created Gold Award to Rodrigo Medellín on 9th May at a ceremony at the Royal Geographical Society in London. Professor Medellín has been teaching conservation biology and community ecology for over 20 years in Mexico City and other universities abroad. He specializes in community ecology, plant-animal interactions, population biology and, more recently, molecular ecology. Thanks to his awareness training pertaining to the vital role of bats in ecosystems, the general perception of bats in Mexico and the rest of Latin America has dramatically changed. During the Year of the Bat and in the run up to Rio+20, his scientific findings have contributed substantially to highlighting the environmental and economic benefits bats that are able to provide regarding US cotton crops. As a result of his conservation measures, he recently achieved an outstanding and most rare success in the conservation world. The lesser long-nosed bat will no longer have to be included on Mexico’s Federal List of Endangered Species. For more information, please visit the Whitley Awards website. 17 Mexico Today Mexican Embassy Newsletter Spring edition Dr. Rodrigo Medellin became the first winner of the Whitley Fund for Nature’s annual Gold award, which recognises the outstanding work in the field of conservation of endangered species. This distinction was part of the Whitley Award Ceremony 2012, which took place at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 9th of May. Dr. Medellin is widely acknowledged as spearheading one of the most important conservationist efforts in Latin America. Among his many achievements are the rediscovery of the long thought extinct “Flat Headed Bat” and the upcoming removal of the "Long Nosed Bat" from Mexico’s Federal List of Endangered Species. Dr. Medellin implements his work through his NGO "Bioconciencia", which has made terrific accomplishments thanks to highlighting the crucial role bats play in maintaining ecological balance, disease control and food production, thus transforming the way they are perceived by the public. Dr. Medellin has also expanded his conservationist work through Latin American Bat Conservation Network, an international NGO which he founded. For more information on Dr. Medellin’s work, please visit the following website: http://www. bioconciencia.org.mx 18 Natural (translated) 10th May 2012 http://www.abc.es/210120510/natural-biodiversidad/abci-murcielagos-rodrigomedellin-201205101147.html Seven things not known about bats How many insects are eaten every night, what are their main threats, what plants exist only thanks to them Rodrigo Medellín has received the Whitley Award from Princess Anne, daughter of Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Geographical Society, London 1. A million bats destroy approximately ten tons of insects every night. 2. The economic value of agricultural pest control by bats equals 700,000 dollars (541.000 euros) for every 100 square kilometres of cultivation of cotton, for example. 3. Bats play a very important role in the pollination of plants as agave - which removes the tequila-, or the Saguaro cactus. 4. Bats sucking, those that feed on blood, inspired Bram Stoker for his novel 'Dracula'. 5. Their main threats: destruction of their shelters with dynamite, the vandalism in the caves, the use of gas cyanide to end them, invasive species and the white nose syndrome (a disease caused by a fungus and that it has been detected in the northeast of the United States.)(UU.). 6. But, perhaps, "the main risk to bats is ignorance and lack of knowledge of the public, which, sadly, generates a fear and a hate completely irrational towards these animals", complains the biologist of the Autonomous National University of Mexico Rodrigo Medellín. 7. The Mexican scientist, an international authority in the field of bats, has been awarded by the Whitley Fund for nature for its investigations aimed at the safeguarding of the species, which for him is a test that citizens have begun to value them. The award, known as Whitley gold, is given for the first time, advises Efe. 19 Bat Conservation International May 2012 Batcon.org Bats in the News - Honors for a Mexican Bat Expert Rodrigo Medellín of Mexico, a leading bat scientist and member of Bat Conservation International’s Science Advisory Committee, is the first winner of the Whitley Fund for Nature’s new Gold Award for “outstanding individual contribution to conservation,” reports the Telegraph of the United Kingdom. The award was presented by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) during a ceremony May 9 at the Royal Geographical Society in London, the newspaper said. The honor includes grant of £30,000 (about $46,750) for conservation work. The Fund also announced seven winners of Whitley Awards who will share £210,000 ($327,400) in project support. Medellin won a Whitley Award in 2004 and said it helped him found the nonprofit conservation organization BIOCONCIENCIA. Among the Whitley Award recipients was BCI friend and colleague Bernal Rodriguez Herrera of Costa Rica, who was honored for “reaching across national borders to coordinate conservation action for Central America’s rich array of bats.” In a film shown at the ceremony, the Telegraph reported, wildlife broadcaster Sir David Attenborough said, “There is arguably no one who has done more for the conservation of bats in Latin America than Rodrigo Medellin. His pioneering work to highlight the 20 vital role that bats play in the ecosystem, and their importance to people’s lives, has had a tremendous impact on the way bats are perceived in his native Mexico and beyond.” The Whitley Fund cited Medellin’s most recent achievement: “Thanks to conservation measures he put in place, the lesser long-nosed bat will soon become the first species ever to be removed from Mexico’s Federal List of Endangered Species,” the Telegraph wrote. “Most people won’t have heard of this species,” Whitley Fund Acting Director David Wallis said, “but they will know of a product which might also be in danger if this bat was lost: tequila. The drink is made from the agave plant and lesser long-nosed bats are its main natural pollinator. Mexico’s commercial [agave] crops are currently being hit by a new infection, which has already damaged a third of the plants in a [critical] area. As a result, farmers are turning back to the bats to add more variety to the crop. ... In this way, what is good for wildlife is proving helpful to people as well.” 21 EFE Verde.com 9th May 2012 http://www.efeverde.com/contenidos/noticias/el-mexicano-rodrigo-medellingalardonado-con-el-premio-whitley-de-la-naturaleza Mexicano Rodrigo Medellín galardonado con el Premio Whitley de la naturaleza Madrid, 4 may (EFEverde).- El científico mexicano Rodrigo A. Medellín, una de las máximas autoridades mundiales en murciélagos, ha sido galardonado con el premio anual del Fondo Whitley para la Naturaleza, que reconoce proyectos de conservación y que recogerá de manos de la Princesa Ana de Inglaterra la próxima semana en Londres. La concesión del premio es un reconocimiento a su labor en informar y revertir conceptos erróneos sobre los murciélagos, según explica la Fundación Whitney. Las investigaciones de Medellín y su equipo han demostrado la importancia de los murciélagos como grandes controladores de plagas, dispersores de semillas y polinizadores de plantas ecológicas, además de servir para la conservación de las especies. El próximo 9 de mayo se celebrará en Londres la ceremonia en la que la Fundación Whitley galardonará al científico mexicano con un trofeo y una ayuda económica de 30.000 libras (37.000 euros) para financiar su proyecto. 22 Apoyo a la investigación desde 1994 Otros siete candidatos seleccionados en todo el mundo como finalistas en el certamen de 2012, viajarán también a Londres para entrevistarse con expertos de la Fundación, quienes decidirán cuales de sus proyectos recibirán apoyo financiero. El evento anual Whitley Awards ha apoyado desde 1994 a más de 130 científicos destacados en la conservación de la naturaleza local en más de 60 países, entre los que este año optan como candidatos otros proyectos todo el mundo, tales como la conservación de la biodiversidad del paisaje Maya (México) o la conservación coordinada de los murciélagos de América Central. 23 Planetaazul.com.mx 10th May 2012 http://www.planetaazul.com.mx/site/2012/05/10/bat-expert-wins-wfn%E2%80%99snew-gold-award-for-conservation-achievement/ BAT EXPERT WINS WFN’S NEW GOLD AWARD FOR CONSERVATION ACHIEVEMENT Bat expert Dr Rodrigo Medellin, of Mexico, tonight became the first winner of a newly-created annual award from the UK-based Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) honouring an outstanding individual contribution to conservation. LONDON, U.K. May 10, 2012.- Dr Medellin received his award from the charity’s Patron Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) during a ceremony at the Royal Geographical Society, London, at which grants worth a total of £240,000 were given out. The Gold Award comes with £30,000 project funding, donated by The Friends of Whitley Fund for Nature. The remaining £210,000 is shared by the latest seven winners of Whitley Awards for inspirational leadership – an accolade Dr Medellin won in 2004 and which he credits with helping him to set up his conservation non-profit BIOCONCIENCIA. In a film shown at the ceremony, wildlife broadcaster Sir David Attenborough told guests: “There is arguably no one who has done more for the conservation of bats in Latin America than 2004 Whitley Award winner, Rodrigo Medellin. His pioneering work to highlight the vital role that bats play in the ecosystem, and their importance to people’s lives, has had a tremendous impact on the way bats are perceived in his native Mexico and beyond. “ Dr Medellin’s most recent achievement is that, thanks to conservation measures he put in place, the lesser long-nosed bat will soon become the first species ever to be removed from Mexico’s Federal List of Endangered Species. 24 WFN’s Acting Director David Wallis said: “Dr Medellin’s work with the lesser long-nosed bat is a shining example of the projects Whitley Fund for Nature seeks to support through its flagship Whitley Awards scheme. Most people won’t have heard of this species but they will know of a product which might also be in danger if this bat was lost – tequila.” David Wallis added: “The drink is made from agave plant and lesser long-nosed bats are its main natural pollinator. Mexico’s commercial crops are currently being hit by a new infection which has already damaged a third of the plants in a 400,000 hectares area. As a result, farmers are turning back to the bats to add more variety to the crop, to try to fend off damage. In this way, what is good for wildlife is proving helpful to people as well – exactly what our judges look for.” Other conservationists honoured at the ceremony were: Lisel Alamilla (BELIZE) for a community empowerment and education project in the biodiversity-rich Maya Golden Landscape of Southern Belize. For more information: www.yaaxche.org /. Whitley Award donated by The William Brake Charitable Trust. Joanna Alfaro Shigueto (PERU) for her work to engage and involve coastal fishing communities in the conservation of several marine species, including turtles and seabirds. For more information: www.prodelphinus.org /. Whitley Award donated by Goldman Sachs. Ir ‘Budi’ Budiono (INDONESIA) for rallying local support in the wetlands of the Mahakam River to save his country’s last freshwater dolphins. For more information: www.ykrasi.110mb.com /. Whitley Award donated by WWF-UK. Inza Koné – IVORY COAST – for acting to secure a better future for people and wildlife in a last stronghold of West Africa’s three most endangered primates. For more information: www.rasapci.org /. Whitley Award donated by The Shears Foundation. Josia Razafindramanana – MADAGASCAR – for bringing sustainable benefits to local people while also protecting newly-discovered populations of endangered crowned sifaka lemurs. For more information: www.sifaka-conservation.org /. Whitley Award donated by The LJC Fund, in memory of Anthea and Lindsey Turner. Carlos Vasquez Almazan – GUATEMALA – for creating a network of ‘zero extinction’ zones for amphibians including an important new reserve. For more information: www.fundaeco.org.gt/. Whitley Award donated by Fondation Segré. Bernal Rodriguez Herrera – COSTA RICA – for reaching across national borders to coordinate conservation action for Central America’s rich array of bats. For more information see: www.tirimbina.org /. Whitley Award donated by The Garfield Weston Foundation. 25 Each receives a trophy and professional development training, as well as £30,000 in grant aid, and becomes part of an influential global network of Whitley Award winners. The Whitley Awards scheme is an annual competition, first held in 1994. Since the scheme began, it has given grants worth more than £9m to support over 140 conservation leaders worldwide. To learn more about the charity, its donors, past winners, and how to apply for the 2013 awards scheme, please see: www.whitleyaward.org. 26 Terra.com May 2012 http://noticias.terra.com.co/ciencia/el-mexicano-rodrigo-medellin-premiado-por-suinvestigacion-sobre9th El mexicano Rodrigo Medellín premiado por su investigación sobre murciélagos El científico mexicano Rodrigo A. Medellín, una de las máximas autoridades mundiales en murciélagos, ha sido galardonado con el premio anual del Fondo Whitley para la Naturaleza, que reconoce proyectos de conservación y que recogerá de manos de la Princesa Ana de Inglaterra la próxima semana en Londres La concesión del premio es un reconocimiento a su labor en informar y revertir conceptos erróneos sobre los murciélagos, según explica la Fundación Whitney. Las investigaciones de Medellín y su equipo han demostrado la importancia de los murciélagos como grandes controladores de plagas, dispersores de semillas y polinizadores de plantas ecológicas, además de servir para la conservación de las especies. El próximo 9 de mayo se celebrará en Londres la ceremonia en la que la Fundación Whitley galardonará al científico mexicano con un trofeo y una ayuda económica de 30.000 libras (37.000 euros) para financiar su proyecto. Apoyo a la investigación desde 1994 Otros siete candidatos seleccionados en todo el mundo como finalistas en el certamen de 2012, viajarán también a Londres para entrevistarse con expertos de la Fundación, quienes decidirán cuales de sus proyectos recibirán apoyo financiero. El evento anual Whitley Awards ha apoyado desde 1994 a más de 140 científicos destacados en la conservación de la naturaleza local en más de 60 países, entre los que este año optan como candidatos otros proyectos todo el mundo, tales como la conservación de la biodiversidad del paisaje Maya (México) o la conservación coordinada de los murciélagos de América Central. 27 Univision Noticias.com Mexican website 9th May 2012 http://feeds.univision.com/feeds/article/2012-05-09/el-mexicano-rodrigo-medellinpremiado El mexicano Rodrigo Medellín premiado por su investigación sobre murciélagos El científico mexicano Rodrigo Medellín, una autoridad internacional en materia de murciélagos, ha sido premiado por su investigación sobre estos mamíferos voladores, lo que para él supone una prueba de que el público ha empezado a valorarlos. El galardón, que le entregará esta noche en Londres el Fondo Whitley para la Naturaleza y está dotado con 30.000 libras (37.200 euros), reconoce los esfuerzos de Medellín por conservar a los murciélagos. En una entrevista telefónica hoy con Efe, el experto dijo que este premio es para él "un honor" porque "significa que los murciélagos están siendo reconocidos por lo que valen y por los beneficios que nos aportan a los seres humanos". "He dedicado mi vida -dijo- a demostrarle al mundo que realmente los murciélagos son una fuente de beneficios constantes para el ser humano. Este premio me hace pensar que el sentimiento de la gente hacia los murciélagos está cambiando de manera significativa". Con la dotación económica que recibirá, Medellín espera ampliar sus programas de conservación a otros cuatro estados de México, además de los veintidós en los que ya está presente. "El principal riesgo para los murciélagos es la ignorancia y la falta de conocimiento del público, que tristemente genera un miedo y un odio completamente irracional a estos animales", se lamentó el biólogo de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Entre los problemas que afrontan estos animales, Medellín citó la destrucción de sus refugios con dinamita, el vandalismo en las cuevas, el uso de gas cianuro para terminar con ellos, las especies invasoras y el síndrome de la nariz blanca (una enfermedad causada por un hongo y que se ha detectado en el noreste de EEUU). El científico mexicano subrayó que uno de los principales beneficios de los murciélagos para los seres humanos es el control biológico de las plagas agrícolas, ya que la mayoría de estos animales se alimentan de insectos. 28 "Según nuestros estudios, cada millón de murciélagos destruye aproximadamente diez toneladas de insectos cada noche. Sin ellos, los insectos se comerían cosechas enteras de maíz, algodón, frijol o chile", precisó Medellín. En este sentido, Medellín descubrió en sus investigaciones que el valor económico del control de plagas agrícolas por parte de los murciélagos equivale a 700.000 dólares (541.000 euros) por cada cien kilómetros cuadrados de cultivo de algodón. Medellín recordó también que estos animales desempeñan un papel muy importante en la polinización de plantas como el agave -del que se extrae el tequila-, o los cactus saguaros, que no podrían existir sin ellos. Entre sus líneas de investigación presentes y futuras figuran las rutas y fechas migratorias de estas especies y el estudio del comportamiento de los murciélagos hematófagos, aquellos que se alimentan de sangre y que, según Medellín, inspiraron a Bram Stoker para su novela "Drácula". Medellín recibirá el premio Whitley durante una ceremonia que tendrá lugar en la Real Sociedad de Geografía de Londres, de manos de la princesa Ana, hija de la reina Elizabeth II. 29 Pavlova Diaries May 11th Bats go for gold Notting Hill-based Whitley Fund for Nature reaches across the globe to finance conservationists working with communities to protect their wildlife. Last week it’s patron Princess Anne handed out eight awards worth £240,000 to winners at the Royal Geographical Society. Rodrigo Medellin (above) won the gold award worth £30,000 for his work with bats in Mexico. Supporter of Whitley Fund for Nature David Attenborough said at the ceremony: “His pioneering work to highlight the vital role that bats play in the ecosystem, and their importance to people’s lives, has had a tremendous impact on the way bats are perceived in his native Mexico and beyond.” Attenborough added: “There are more and more people in the world and the problems of conservation are never going to cease. Sometimes people think why don’t we give up? but I could never look my grandchildren in the face and say we were giving up.” www.whitleyaward.org 30 Lisel Alamilla Belize Uniting Stake Holders for the effective conservation of the Maya Golden Landscape _________________________________________________ Winner of The Whitley Award donated by The William Brake Charitable Trust ___________________________________________________ 31 FURTHER MEDIA COVERAGE ACHIEVED In addition to the following coverage: WEBSITES Lisel’s film has been shown on many websites including: Youtube.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9r9iFsQveY Frequency.com http://www.frequency.com/video/lisel-alamilla-speech-at-whitley-awards/49492228 Caribdaily.com CARIBDAILY caribbean news, aggregated 32 Telegraph online showing Lisel’s film 17th May 2012 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/9271764/Whitley-Fund-for-Nature-Awardgiven-to-bat-expert-for-conservation-achievement Lisel Alamilla, Belize, wins an award for her work at the Ya‟axché Conservation Trust, a community empowerment and education project in the biodiversity-rich Maya Golden Landscape of Southern Belize. Winners receive a trophy and professional development training as well as £30,000 in grant aid, and become part of an influential global network of Whitley Award winners. The Whitley Awards scheme is an annual competition, first held in 1994. Since the scheme began, it has given grants worth more than £9m to support over 140 conservation leaders worldwide. 33 Daily Telegraph 16th May 2012 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/news/9258064/Dame-Kelly-Holmesstruggles-to-dress-for-the-Duchess-of-Cambridge-at-Olympic-Ball.html Prince Harry’s recent tour of the Caribbean was hailed as a great success, but did he enjoy it a little too much? His aunt, the Princess Royal, handed out the Whitley Fund for Nature awards this week. One of the winners was Lisel Alamilla, the minister of forestry, fisheries and sustainable development in Belize. She tells mandrake: “When I went up to collect my award, Princess Anne asked me about my home country of Belize and said how Prince Harry had been there recently. I replied, “I know – he had a lot of fun.” She made a wry look and said, quite forcefully, “we sent him there to work”. 34 Fauna and Flora International website 18th May 2012 http://www.fauna-flora.org/news/fauna-flora-internationals-partner-in-belize-winswhitley-award/ Fauna & Flora International’s partner in Belize wins Whitley Award Lisel Alamilla, former Executive Director of Ya’axché Conservation Trust (Ya’axché – Fauna & Flora International’s partner in Belize) has been announced as a winner at this year’s Whitley Awards. The funds from the award will help Ya’axché continue its ongoing work to raise national awareness and support for protected areas throughout Belize. Belize is home to a spectacular range of plant and animal species, from the sleek and beautiful jaguar to the much sought-after xaté palm. With the lowest human population density in Central America, the country currently boasts a comprehensive protected area network, which covers 45% of the country’s land surface. However the discovery of oil, combined with a crippling national debt, rapid population growth and agricultural expansion, is putting increasing pressure on the government to open these areas up to development. The Whitley Award funding will help Ya’axché tackle what it sees as the greatest threat to the integrity of Belize’s priority habitats: poorly planned and unsustainable development, 35 compounded by public apathy towards (and a failure to comply with) laws governing Belize’s protected areas. Ya’axché's is working to secure the future for Belizean wildlife, such as the jaguar (credit: "Wild Amazon" by Nick Gordon, Evans Mitchell Books). To achieve this, Ya’axché will build on its extensive experience in conservation advocacy to increase community participation in the sustainable management of the Maya Golden Landscape – one of Central America’s last unbroken stretches of broadleaf forest. Ya’axché is also working to involve private landowners in the planning and management of Belize’s protected area system, at a local and national level. The ultimate aim is to strengthen public awareness of and support for protected areas, and ensure that all relevant stakeholders are involved at every step of the decision-making process. In this way, Ya’axché hopes to counter any moves towards unsustainable development within protected areas, thus ensuring lasting protection for Belize’s natural resources. 36 San Pedro Sun Weekly newspaper, Belize 10th May 2012 http://www.sanpedrosun.com/environment/2012/05/10/hon-lisel-alamilla-winsprestigious-whitley-award-fund/ Hon. Lisel Alamilla wins prestigious Whitley Award Fund Lisel Alamilla receiving the 2012 Whitley Fund for Nature Award from the Princess Royal, Princess Anne Hon. Lisel Alamilla, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development, is one of the recipients of the 2012 Whitley Foundation Awards. She received the Whitley Fund for Nature award from the Princess Royal at the 2012 Whitley Awards Ceremony, held on the 9th of May at The Royal Geographical Society in London. Alamilla joins six other nominees from countries like Indonesia, Madagascar, Peru, and Costa Rica in competing for project funding worth £30,000 (US$48,480). The honour 37 recognises the Minister’s work to unite and equip the people who live in the Maya Golden Landscape to match development pressures, including population growth, agricultural change and increased demand for natural resources, with protection for the area’s world-class scenery, wildlife and traditions. The Whitely Foundation granted her the funding, donated by the William Brake Charitable Trust, which she has stated to hand over to the Ya’axche Conservation Trust here in Belize. The San Pedro Sun would like to congratulate Minister Alamilla on this award and to thank her for all the hard work and dedication that she has given to Belize and its people. We are immensely proud of her and this wonderful achievement. Here is a full transcript of her acceptance speech: Lisel Alamilla, Whitley Fund for Nature Award Speech I really take after my father; he was a champion for social justice. Six week ago I learnt that when my dad dropped me off for my first day of preschool he told the teacher “take good care of her as you have in your care a future minister of government”. Was this coincidental or did he see something in me? He took all of us, his five children to political rallies. During school holidays he dropped me off at the Supreme Court so that I could listen to interesting cases and see women lawyers in action. And he took me to his work on the weekends where I sat in his chair and pretended I was the boss. And most interesting when there were riots against Belize getting its independence he took me to observe the protest. I was just 14 and I clearly remember being tear-gassed. But what I learnt from all of this is the importance of being the voice of the voiceless and making the “invisible people” visible. By definition wildlife does not have a voice I want to give it a voice and make sure that they never become invisible So, without consciously planning it I became an activist seeking social justice. And today I firmly believe that we cannot achieve conservation goals without creating a society that is based on the principles of equality and solidarity. A society that understands and values human rights.A society that recognizes the dignity of every human being.Ya’axche’ Conservation Trust believes in this, practices it and is passionate about it. And I ask all of you to learn from what we have done in Belize 38 Channel 5 News Belize Television 10th May 2012 http://edition.channel5belize.com/archives/70227 Whitley Fund for Nature Award features Lisel Alamilla As we reported on Wednesday night, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development Lisel Alamilla, is now also an award winning conservationist. Alamilla received the 2012 Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) Award and £30,000 to continue her work with Ya’axche Conservation Trust in the south. The recognition is particularly for conservation efforts in the area known as the Maya Golden Landscape, which is home to over three thousand plant species, one hundred and ten mammals, four hundred birds as well as ninety-two reptiles and amphibians. Known for its biodiversity, the landscape is fragile and is threatened by development and agriculture, which Alamilla has been working with Ya’axche to prevent. Here’s a video by the WFN on the project that won the award narrated by WFN Trustee, Sir David Attenborough The Maya Golden Landscape of Southern Belize; this three hundred thousand acre patchwork of rainforest, small villages and farmland is home to a stunning array of biodiversity. More than three thousand species of plant are found here as well as a number of endemic and threatened species, including jaguars and Belize’s national animal, the tapir. Although sixty-two percent of Belize’s forests are still intact and with nearly half lying in protected areas a rapidly growing population is driving demand for the conversion of land for development and agriculture. Economic debt and pressure to deregulate protected areas for oil exploration is further moving focus away from preservation and putting an increasing strain on natural resources. Lisel Alamilla and the Ya’axché Conservation Trust, however, are fighting to keep conservation and sustainability at the top of the agenda in Belize. Through advocacy, 39 outreach and education, Lisel and Ya’axche are uniting stakeholders at all levels, ensuring that the demands of communities at the grassroots are given the same attention as those at the very top. By improving access to relevant information, Lisel and her team are empowering communities to participate in local and national consultations and decision making, whilst encouraging a lasting commitment to environmental stewardship. The first of its kind in Belize, Ya’axche’s integrated approach is building a platform for effective sustainable development and ensuring that the Maya Golden Landscape remains a critical haven for biodiversity. 40 Love Television Televison channel, Belize 9th May 2012 http://www.lovetv.com.bz/2012/05/09/minister-alamilla-wins-the-whitley-award/ Minister Alamilla wins the Whitley award Lisel Alamilla The Honorable the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development, Ms. Lisel Alamilla has won one of the prestigious Whitley Awards. Alamilla received her award today from the Princess Royal, during a ceremony at the Royal Geographical Society in London England. Alamilla joins six other nominees from countries like Indonesia, Madagascar, Peru, and Costa Rica in competing for project funding worth £210,000. She won the award for a community empowerment and education project in the biodiversity-rich Maya golden landscape of southern Belize and along with it, Alamilla is bringing home £30,000. That money, according to Alamilla will be handed over to the Ya’axche Conservation Trust. 41 7 Newsbelize.com Belize News Chanel 11th May 2012 http://www.7newsbelize.com/sstory.php?nid=22433 Lisel Alamilla's Award, A Closer Look Earlier this week we told you about the prestigious international conservation award won by the Minister of forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development, Lisel Alamilla. It's the Whitley Fund For Nature Award for inspirational conservation leadership for the work Alamilla did to protect the Maya Golden Landscape as Executive Director of the Ya'axché Conservation Trust. Tonight we'll share with you the video cataloguing that work - which was prepared by the Whitely Fund and narrated by renowned naturalist David Attenborough: As noted before, this is the second year in a row that Belize has a Whitley Award winner last year a similar prize went to marine conservationist Dr Rachel T. Graham. But that's not all, Marine Biologist Nicole Auil Gomez was the first Belizean to win it back in 2005. 42 Village Post Belize website 11th May 2012 http://www.villageviewpost.com/2012/05/belizean-won-whitley-fund-for-nature.html BELIZEAN WON WHITLEY FUND FOR NATURE AWARD 2012 Hon. Lisel Alamilla receiving award from Princess Royal, HRH Princess Anne Hon. Lisel Alamilla, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development, is one of the recipients of the 2012 Whitley Foundation Awards. She received the Whitley Fund for Nature award from the Princess Royal at the 2012 Whitley Awards Ceremony, held on the 9th of May at The Royal Geographical Society in London. Alamilla joins six other nominees from countries like Indonesia, Madagascar, Peru, and Costa Rica in competing for project funding worth £30,000 (US$48,480). The honour recognises the Minister’s work to unite and equip the people who live in the Maya Golden Landscape to match development pressures, including population growth, agricultural change and increased demand for natural resources, with protection for the area’s world-class scenery, wildlife and traditions. The Whitely Foundation granted her the funding, donated by the William Brake Charitable Trust, which she has stated to hand over to the Ya’axche Conservation Trust here in Belize. The San Pedro Sun would like to congratulate Minister Alamilla on this award and to thank her for all the hard work and dedication that she has given to Belize and its people. We are immensely proud of her and this wonderful achievement. 43 The Guardian Daily Newspaper, Belize 11th April 2012 http://www.guardian.bz/index.php?option=com Minister Lisel Alamilla wins a Place in the Finals of Prestigious Conservation Award Competition Belize’s newly appointed Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development, Hon. Lisel Alamilla has been named as a finalist in one of the world’s most prestigious wildlife competitions, the Whitley Awards. The nomination means that Hon. Alamilla will now travel to London in May for interviews with the panel of experts who will decide which of this year’s seven international candidates will win a share of Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) grants worth a total £210,000 for their projects. The results will be announced during a ceremony at the Royal Geographical Society, Kensington Gore, London, on Wednesday 9 May at which WFN’s patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) will present the prizes. Commenting on the shortlist, WFN’s acting director David Wallis said: “Winning a place on the Whitley Awards shortlist is in itself a major achievement. Entries are always high, and of high caliber, and only the most committed and effective nature conservationists win through to the finals. The candidates, we are inviting to London for the next stage of judging, are particularly impressive. Each one is taking inspirational steps to create a better future both for people and wildlife and we know that our judges are going to find it very difficult to choose between them.” Hon. Lisel Alamilla has won through to the finals because of her work with the Ya’axché Conservation Trust in promoting conservation of Maya Golden Landscape in southern 44 Belize through multiple-level advocacy. If she is awarded the prize, it will fund Ya’axché to continue this important work across the Maya Golden Landscape. In addition to meeting the judges and HRH The Princess Royal, the trip to London includes opportunities to hear about the work of the six other finalists, attend receptions with leading conservation organizations and academics, meet WFN donors, and receive professional development training. Each Whitley Award winner will also have a new short film made about their work, narrated by the internationally-acclaimed wildlife broadcaster, Sir David Attenborough, a long-standing supporter and trustee of WFN. The films will be premiered as part of the awards ceremony and, later, be available to view online on YouTube. The Whitley Awards scheme is an annual competition, first held in 1994. In the 19 years since the scheme began, it has given grants worth more than £9m to support the work of more than 140 grassroots conservation leaders in over 60 countries. To learn more about the charity, its donors and past winners, please see: www.whitleyaward.org 45 AmberGris.com April 12th 2012 http://www.ambergristoday.com/content/stories/2012/april/12/minister-lisel-alamilla%E2%80%93-finalist-prestigious-conservation-award Minister Lisel Alamilla – Finalist of Prestigious Conservation Award Belmopan, 11 April, 2012 - Belize’s newly appointed Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development, Hon. Liselle Alamilla has been named as a finalist in one of the world’s most prestigious wildlife competitions, the Whitley Awards. The nomination means that Hon. Alamilla will now travel to London in May for interviews with the panel of experts who will decide which of this year’s seven international candidates will win a share of Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) grants worth a total £210,000 GBP for their projects. The results will be announced during a ceremony at the Royal Geographical Society, Kensington Gore, London, on Wednesday 9 May at which WFN’s patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) will present the prizes. Commenting on the shortlist, WFN’s acting director David Wallis said: “Winning a place on the Whitley Awards shortlist is in itself a major achievement. Entries are always high, and of high caliber, and only the most committed and effective nature conservationists win through to the finals. The candidates we are inviting to London for the next stage of judging are particularly impressive. Each one is taking inspirational steps to create a better future both for people and wildlife and we know that our judges are going to find it very difficult to choose between them.” Hon. Lisel Alamilla has won through to the finals because of her work with the Ya’axché Conservation Trust in promoting conservation of Maya Golden Landscape in southern 46 Belize through multiple-level advocacy. If she is awarded the prize it will fund Ya’axché to continue this important work across the Maya Golden Landscape. In addition to meeting the judges and HRH The Princess Royal, the trip to London includes opportunities to hear about the work of the six other finalists, attend receptions with leading conservation organizations and academics, meet WFN donors and receive professional development training. Each Whitley Award winner will also have a new short film made about their work, narrated by the internationally-acclaimed wildlife broadcaster, Sir David Attenborough, a long-standing supporter and trustee of WFN. The films will be premiered as part of the awards ceremony and, later, be available to view online on YouTube. The Whitley Awards scheme is an annual competition, first held in 1994. In the 19 years since the scheme began, it has given grants worth more than £9m to support the work of more than 140 grassroots conservation leaders in over 60 countries. To learn more about the charity, its donors and past winners, please see: www.whitleyaward.org. 47 My Belize.net 14th May 2012 Lisel Alamilla wins Whitley Fund for Nature Award 2012(0) The 2012 Whitley Awards Ceremony was held on the 9th of May at The Royal Geographical Society in London. The Ceremony was hosted by writer and broadcaster John McCarthy with Whitley Awards presented to the winners by WFN Patron, HRH The Princess Royal. Bat expert Dr Rodrigo Medellin, of Mexico, became the first winner of a newly-created annual [...] 48 Pole to Tropics Blog spot May 2012 http://poletotropics.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/yaaxche-in-whitley-awards-2012.html 49 Raggamuffin Tours.com 11th May 2012 http://raggamuffintours.com/2012/05/hon-lisel-alamilla-wins-whitley-award/ Hon Lisel Alamilla wins Whitley Award! Belize glows with pride again as yet another of our Belize eco-warriors earns International recognition by winning a major conservation award in England from Princess Anne. Hon Lisel Alamilla, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development was this years prize winner of thirty thousand pounds, donated by the William Blake Charitable Trust. Alamilla has been selected for the prestigious Whitley Award for inspirational conservation leadership for her work to protect the Maya Golden Landscape when she was Executive Director of the Ya’axché Conservation Trust – a post which she left after the election in February to become a Senator-Minister. Although Alamilla has been noted in the past for her more terrestrial work, she is very much linked with last year’s winner of the same award, Dr Rachel Graham, who is Belize’s resident Shark and all round Marine biologist who will not allow her to take her eye off our precious reef in her current position. Congratulations Lisel – it has been too long since you visited Caye Caulker, come back soon 50 Joanna Alfaro Shigueto Peru Marine Conservation through the empowerment of coastal fishing communities _____________________________________________________ Winner of The Whitley Award donated by Goldman Sachs 51 FURTHER MEDIA COVERAGE ACHIEVED In addition to the following coverage: WEBSITES The websites below and many more showed Joanna’s films http://www.tes.co.uk/teaching-resource/Joanna-Alfaro-Shigueto-empowering-coastal-fishing6229498/ 52 Telegraph online showing Joanna’s film 17th May 2012 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/9271764/Whitley-Fund-for-Nature-Award-given-tobat-expert-for-conservation-achievement Joanna Alfaro Shigueto, in Peru, wins an Award for her work with the NGO ProDelphinus to engage and involve coastal fishing communities in the conservation of several marine species, including turtles and seabirds. Winners receive a trophy and professional development training, as well as £30,000 in grant aid, and become part of an influential global network of Whitley Award winners. The Whitley Awards scheme is an annual competition, first held in 1994. Since the scheme began, it has given grants worth more than £9m to support over 140 conservation leaders worldwide 53 BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour 8th May 2012 Joanna was interviewed for 10 minutes on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour on 8th May. 54 El Comercio Daily Newspaper, Peru May 15th 2012 Circulation 130,000 55 56 57 58 Western Morning News UK regional daily newspaper 22nd May 2010 Marine conservation work lands top award A West Country academic has been presented with an award by the Princess Royal for her dedication to conservation. University of Exeter research fellow Joanna Alfaro Shigueto received the Whitley Award for inspirational conservation leadership for her work to build a better future for Pacific coast wildlife and fishing communities. Joanna Alfaro Shigueto with the Princess Royal who presented the award for inspirational conservation leadership Originally from Peru, the academic is a recent graduate of the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at the University's Tremough Campus. She is currently working with University of Exeter colleagues on a Darwin Initiative-funded project which involves working with fishermen, non-governmental organisations and national fisheries agency in Peru to promote the conservation of marine biodiversity and sustainable fishing. Ms Alfaro Shigueto, the head of the conservation non-profit organisation ProDelphinius, received the honour during a ceremony at the Royal Geographical Society in London, hosted by Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) – the UK-based charity which organises the international awards scheme. Her Whitley Award comprises a project grant of £30,000 – donated by Goldman Sachs – an engraved trophy, membership of the influential network of past Whitley Award winners and professional development training. 59 The award recognises Ms Alfaro Shigueto's efforts to protect the many marine species which feed and breed off Peru's long Pacific coast, including turtles, rays, sharks and Humboldt penguin, while also improving catches and profits for the many thousands of coastal families who depend on small-scale fishing for food and income. The Westcountry research fellow said: "This award means so much to me and will make a huge difference to my work. This work could have an impact on the livelihoods of thousands of small-scale fishermen in Peru, but also could reduce the impact of their fisheries on threatened fauna such as turtles, dolphins and seabirds." Professor David Hosken, director of the University of Exeter's Centre for Ecology and Conservation at the Tremough Campus, said: "Joanna plays a key role in our work in Peru, where we are working with local fishermen, NGOs and national fisheries to promote sustainable fishing. This award will help to raise the awareness of the importance of this work, which is helping to protect Peru's amazing marine biodiversity and ensure that local people can continue to support themselves through sustainable fishing." The Whitley Awards scheme is an annual competition, first held in 1994. Since the scheme began, it has given grants worth more than £6 million to support more than 140 conservation leaders worldwide. To learn more about the charity, its donors, past winners, and how to apply for the 2013 awards scheme, please see: www.whitleyaward.org. 60 UK Embassy Lima, Peru 22nd May 2012 http://blogs.fco.gov.uk/ukinperu/es/2012/05/22/pesca-iniciativa-darwin-y-premiopara-una-peruana/ Pesca, iniciativa Darwin y premio para una peruana El 22 de mayo se celebra el Día Internacional de la Biodiversidad y el tema de este año está basado en los ecosistemas marinos. La peruana Joanna Alfaro, Directora de ProDelphinus, acaba de recibir un prestigioso premio en el campo de la conservación otorgado por la Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN). ProDelphinus, trabaja desde el 2001 para la conservación de especies marinas en peligro en el Perú, como tortugas y aves marinas, nutrias marinas, cetáceos y tiburones. Los proyectos que se llevan a cabo están relacionados a la captura no deseada de estas especies en la pesca artesanal. Actualmente, ProDelphinus está focalizado en cómo solucionar y reducir la pesca no deseada de estas maravillosas especies. “El Océano Pacífico del lado del Perú es una de las zonas más productivas del planeta. Sostiene una de las pesquerías más grandes a nivel mundial- la pesca de la anchoveta. Esta gran productividad de sus aguas, nos permiten recibir especies, algunas en peligro de extinción, que viajan miles de kilómetros para alimentarse – como las tortugas laúd (Dermochelys coriacea) que vienen desde las playas de anidación en México o Costa Rica; así como las tortugas amarillas (Caretta caretta) que vienen desde Australia a 8000 kilómetros de distancia”, expresa Jeffrey Mangel, PhD, de la Universidad de Exeter, Reino Unido. 61 Etiqueta Verde Environment Magazine March - April 2012 62 This is Cornwall website 22nd May 2012 http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/Marine-conservation-work-lands-award/story16153131-detail/story.html Marine conservation work lands top award A West Country academic has been presented with an award by the Princess Royal for her dedication to conservation. University of Exeter research fellow Joanna Alfaro Shigueto received the Whitley Award for inspirational conservation leadership for her work to build a better future for Pacific coast wildlife and fishing communities. Joanna Alfaro Shigueto with the Princess Royal who presented the award for inspirational conservation leadership Originally from Peru, the academic is a recent graduate of the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at the University's Tremough Campus. She is currently working with University of Exeter colleagues on a Darwin Initiative-funded project which involves working with fishermen, non-governmental organisations and national fisheries agency in Peru to promote the conservation of marine biodiversity and sustainable fishing. 63 Ms Alfaro Shigueto, the head of the conservation non-profit organisation ProDelphinius, received the honour during a ceremony at the Royal Geographical Society in London, hosted by Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) – the UK-based charity which organises the international awards scheme. Her Whitley Award comprises a project grant of £30,000 – donated by Goldman Sachs – an engraved trophy, membership of the influential network of past Whitley Award winners and professional development training. The award recognises Ms Alfaro Shigueto's efforts to protect the many marine species which feed and breed off Peru's long Pacific coast, including turtles, rays, sharks and Humboldt penguin, while also improving catches and profits for the many thousands of coastal families who depend on small-scale fishing for food and income. The West Country research fellow said: "This award means so much to me and will make a huge difference to my work. This work could have an impact on the livelihoods of thousands of small-scale fishermen in Peru, but also could reduce the impact of their fisheries on threatened fauna such as turtles, dolphins and seabirds." Professor David Hosken, director of the University of Exeter's Centre for Ecology and Conservation at the Tremough Campus, said: "Joanna plays a key role in our work in Peru, where we are working with local fishermen, NGOs and national fisheries to promote sustainable fishing. This award will help to raise the awareness of the importance of this work, which is helping to protect Peru's amazing marine biodiversity and ensure that local people can continue to support themselves through sustainable fishing." The Whitley Awards scheme is an annual competition, first held in 1994. Since the scheme began, it has given grants worth more than £9 million to support more than 140 conservation leaders worldwide. To learn more about the charity, its donors, past winners, and how to apply for the 2013 awards scheme, please see: www.whitleyaward.org. 64 Exeter University Website May 2012 University of Exeter website + Latest news Exeter physicist sheds light on science with Ethiopian school children A University of Exeter physicist has shared his love of science with nearly 600 school children in the Ethiopian capital city of Addis Ababa. £30,000 award to South West sea-life scientist HRH The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) has presented a Whitley Award for inspirational conservation leadership to University of Exeter research fellow Joanna Alfaro Shigueto for her work to build a better future for Pacific coast wildlife and fishing communities. 65 Exeter University website May 12th 2012 http://www.exeter.ac.uk/sustainability/newsandevents/archive/title_209503_en.html Sustainability Joanna Alfaro Shigueto receives her award from HRH The Princess Royal. Photo: James Finlay. £30,000 award to South West sea-life scientist HRH The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) has presented a Whitley Award for inspirational conservation leadership to University of Exeter research fellow Joanna Alfaro Shigueto for her work to build a better future for Pacific coast wildlife and fishing communities. Originally from Peru, Joanna is a recent graduate of the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at the University’s Cornwall Campus. She is currently working with University of Exeter colleagues on a Darwin Initiativefunded project which involves working with fishermen, non-governmental organisations and national fisheries agency in Peru to promote the conservation of marine biodiversity and sustainable fishing. Joanna, the head of the conservation non-profit organisation ProDelphinius, received the honour during a ceremony at the Royal Geographical Society in London, hosted by Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) – the UK-based charity which organises the international awards scheme. Her Whitley Award comprises a project grant of £30,000 – donated by Goldman Sachs an engraved trophy, membership of the influential network of past Whitley Award winners and professional development training. 66 The award recognises Joanna’s efforts to protect the many marine species which feed and breed off Peru’s long Pacific coast, including turtles, rays, sharks and Humboldt penguin, while also improving catches and profits for the many thousands of coastal families who depend on small scale fishing for food and income. Joanna Alfaro Shigueto said: “This award means so much to me and will make a huge difference to my work. This work could have an impact on the livelihoods of thousands of small-scale fishermen in Peru, but also could reduce the impact of their fisheries on threatened fauna such as turtles, dolphins and seabirds.” Professor David Hosken, Director of the University of Exeter’s Centre for Ecology and Conservation at the Cornwall Campus said: “Congratulations to Joanna on winning this prestigious international award. Joanna plays a key role in our work in Peru, where we are working with local fishermen, NGOs and national fisheries to promote sustainable fishing. This award will help to raise the awareness of the importance of this work, which is helping to protect Peru’s amazing marine biodiversity and ensure that local people can continue to support themselves through sustainable fishing.” Congratulating Joanna on her success, David Wallis, Acting Director of Whitley Fund for Nature, said: “The aim of the Whitley Award is to commend conservationists from around the world who are inspiring real and positive change for people and wildlife. In Joanna’s case, the judges were particularly impressed by her success in persuading coastal communities not only that fishing and sea-life conservation can co-exist but that it can also be more efficient and profitable, and by her efforts to convince Peru’s famous fish restaurants that selling sustainably-caught fish is better for everyone.” The presentations were watched by a 350-strong audience, including embassy representatives, Whitley Fund for Nature donors and leading environmentalists. As part of the ceremony, The Princess Royal and other guests watched a series of short films showing finalists at work. The screenings included a film about Joanna’s work narrated by the world-renowned wildlife broadcaster, Sir David Attenborough, a Trustee of WFN. The Whitley Awards scheme is an annual competition, first held in 1994. Since the scheme began, it has given grants worth more than £9m to support over 140 conservation leaders worldwide. 67 CeDePesca Peruvian website May 2012 http://www.cedepesca.net/detalle-articulo-boletin.php?id=438 PERU: Biologist Receives Award for her work in Marine Conservation ProDelphinus - Dr. Joanna Alfaro Shigueto won the award given by Fundacion Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) , thanks to a project that encourages Peruvian fishermen to fish without impacting marine species threatened with extinction. The awards show was in London and responsible for making the presentation was WFN Patron, HRH Princess Anne. The award recognizes their work and inspiration for leadership for turtles, dolphins and seabirds. Shigueto as ProDelphinus director, was responsible for receiving the 30,000 pounds (about 50, 000 dollars) at the ceremony held at the Royal Geographical Society in London. Princess Anne, gave out Awards worth a total of 240,000 pounds (about 500.000 thousand dollars) towards the conservation of selected countries around the world. The audience of 350 people comprised of representatives from the embassies of the winning countries, donors and leading conservationists. WFN is a UK charity which organizes the system of international awards. Since 1994 has delivered a total of 140 awards for conservationists from 60 countries for a total of 9 million pounds. Video on the work of ProDelphinus, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, narrator of the BBC http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hfc0r_1_LSg 68 Budiono Indonesia Conserving Indonesia’s last freshwater dolphins: Community– action for Protected Area management _________________________________________________ Winner of The Whitley Award donated by WWF-UK 69 FURTHER MEDIA COVERAGE ACHIEVED In addition to the following coverage: WEBSITES The websites below and many more showed Budi’s films http://www.5min.com/ http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xquz5x_dolphin-conservation-in-indonesia_news http://www.naomane.com/Budiono/ http://www.channels.com/episodes/12706822#/episodes/12706822 70 Telegraph online showing Budi’s film 17th May 2012 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/9271764/Whitley-Fund-for-Nature-Awardgiven-to-bat-expert-for-conservation-achievement Ir ‘Budi’ Budiono, director of Yayasan Konservasi in Indonesia, wins an Award for rallying local support in the wetlands of the Mahakam River to save his country’s last freshwater dolphins Winners receive a trophy and professional development training, as well as £30,000 in grant aid, and become part of an influential global network of Whitley Award winners. The Whitley Awards scheme is an annual competition, first held in 1994. Since the scheme began, it has given grants worth more than £9m to support over 140 conservation leaders worldwide 71 News Organiser website May 17th 2012 http://www.newsorganizer.com/article/whitley-awards-ir-budi-budiono9e5bc0ebc9c69b21d6c261b07c40f562/ Whitley awards: Ir ‘Budi’ Budiono in Indonesia Indonesia- Wetlands- Pollution Ir ‘Budi’ Budiono is the Director of Yayasan Konservasi (YK-RASI), an NGO working in the wetlands around the Mahakam River in East Kalimantan, Indonesia – the last refuge for a critically endangered population of freshwater Irrawaddy dolphin, (or pesut, as it is known locally). The pesut is the official emblem of the region and a symbol of good luck but numbers have crashed in recent years, partly because of over-fishing and competition with humans for fish but also because of pollution, development and wetland drainage for palm oil plantations. Today it is believed that there may be as few as 90 pesut left. Hope is far from lost, though. Through YK-RASI, Budi is using the pesut as the flagship for a conservation initative designed in partnership with local people and enabling them to become effective wetland wildlife guardians. Measures include amending fishing methods to prevent entanglements, learning how to free dolphins safely, reducing pressure on natural resources and exploring eco-tourism opportunities. Pesut aren’t the only creatures which will benefit. The Mahakam River system supports many other disappearing species, such the false gavial and Siamese crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, smooth- coated otters and the bold lesser adjutant bird. FROM DAVID ATTENBOROUGH’S VOICE-OVER: “Having already reached 8,000 households along the river, Budiono is rallying strong local support for conservation and ensuring a brighter future for Indonesia’s last population of freshwater dolphins.” For more information: www.ykrasi.110mb.com . 72 Biofresh Blog 11th May 2012 http://biofreshblog.com/ Two freshwater conservationists win a prestigious Whitley Award for Conservation At this week’s 2012 Whitley Awards Ceremony two freshwater conservationists were among the eight winners. The Whitley Fund for Nature locates and recognizes the world’s most dynamic conservation leaders and support projects founded on good science, community involvement and pragmatism. Ir Bundioni was honored for his efforts to conserve Indonesia’s last population of freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mahakam River system. In 2000 Budi, founded the NGO Yayasan Konservasi RASI (YK-RASI) to protect endangered aquatic species and their habitats in Indonesia. They are working to established community-supported protected areas for the dolphins and their prey and deploying the dolphin as a flagship species to promote the adoption of less harmful fishing practices and the development of ecotourism and other alternative livelihoods. Carlos Vasquez Almazan, Curator of Herpetology at Guatamla’s National Museum of Natural History and Coordinator of the Amphibian Conservation Programme of Foundation for Ecodevelopment and Conservation (FUNDAECO), was honored efforts to rally support for protection of the Sierra Caral cloud forest on the border of Guatemala and Honduras. Carlos has led amphibian surveys across Guatemala discovering new species and re-discovering others thought to be extinct. In so doing he has raised interest in the country’s diverse amphibian fauna. As a result, Guatemala’s first reserve for amphibian conservation, encompassing 2,300 hectares, and protecting five critically endangered species was declared in 2011. The BioFresh Blog salutes the great work of Budi and Carlos and we wish them every success in the future. 73 Inza Kone Ivory Coast Community-based conservation of critically endangered West African primates _________________________________________________ Winner of The Whitley Award donated by The Shears Foundation 74 FURTHER MEDIA COVERAGE ACHIEVED In addition to the following coverage: RADIO Inza was interviewed for BBC World Network Africa – 12th May 2012 (50 million audience French version & English links below http://www.bbc.co.uk/afrique/nos_emissions/2012/05/120511_invite.shtm http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/africa/2011/04/000000_network_africa.sht ml Cote d’Ivoire National Radio – Inza was interviewed on 27th June 2012 75 Telegraph online showing Inza’s film 17th May 2012 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/9271764/Whitley-Fund-for-Nature-Award-given-tobat-expert-for-conservation-achievement Inza Koné, in the Ivory Coast, head of Biodiversity and Food Security with the Swiss Centre for Scientific Research wins an Award for acting to secure a better future for people and wildlife in a last stronghold of West Africa’s three most endangered primates. Winners receive a trophy and professional development training, as well as £30,000 in grant aid, and become part of an influential global network of Whitley Award winners. The Whitley Awards scheme is an annual competition, first held in 1994. Since the scheme began, it has given grants worth more than £9m to support over 140 conservation leaders worldwide. 76 L’Inter Daily Newspaper, Ivory Coast 17th May 2012 77 Fratmat.info Daily Newspaper, Cote d’Ivoire 17th May 2012 http://www.fratmat.info/accueil/sciences-et-technologies/18287-sauvegarde-desprimates-en-dangerdr-i-kone-de-la-l-responsabilisation-effective-des-communautes-r.html Sauvegarde des primates en danger/Dr I. Koné : DE LA «RESPONSABILISATION EFFECTIVE DES COMMUNAUTÉS » Il est de retour de Londres, où il a reçu, le 9 mai dernier, le Whitley Award for Nature, prix récompensant les meilleures initiatives de scientifiques dans le domaine de la conservation de la nature. Dans cette interview accordée à www.fratmat.info, le Dr. Inza Koné, primatologue à l’Université d’Abidjan-Cocody et directeur du département biodiversité et sécurité alimentaire au Centre suisse de recherche scientifique, revient sur les études qui lui ont permis d’atteindre cette performance. Le Whitley Award for Nature peut être assimilé au Nobel de la Conservation de la nature. Que ressent-on de recevoir une distinction d'une telle envergure? Une joie indescriptible, un sentiment de fierté, une grande satisfaction et un sentiment de reconnaissance vis-à-vis de toutes les personnes morales ou physiques qui ont contribué de près ou de loin au rayonnement de notre travail. Une mention spéciale aux communautés locales du département de Tiapoum (Sud-Est de la Côte d’Ivoire) dont l’engagement constant aura permis d’obtenir des résultats remarquables. 78 Pouvez-vous résumer les études qui vous ont valu ce prix? Il s’agit d’une série d’études et d’actions visant la conservation de la forêt des Marais Tanoé-Ehy qui est la seule abritant les derniers survivants de trois espèces de singes : le Colobe Bai de Miss Waldron, le Cercopithèque Diane Roloway et le Cercocèbe couronné, respectivement appelés Etachié, Kakahua et Kpamlêh en N’zima. Il s’agit des trois espèces les plus menacées de disparition en Afrique de l’ouest, qui font également partie des vingt-cinq primates les plus menacés de disparition au monde. Notre travail a, d’abord, consisté à faire des recherches, d’une part pour bien connaître la forêt des Marais Tanoé-Ehy, ses animaux et ses plantes et d’autre part, pour comprendre ce que cette forêt représente pour les communautés riveraines. Ensuite, il a été question d’amener les villageois à s’appuyer sur leurs valeurs, leurs forces et leurs aspirations. Ce, afin d’être en première ligne des actions pour la sauvegarde de leur patrimoine exceptionnel. Ces actions comprennent la sensibilisation, l’organisation des communautés, le renforcement des capacités de groupes cibles, la surveillance de la forêt, les démarches officielles pour le classement de la forêt en Réserve naturelle volontaire et la recherche du bien-être. Les juges disent avoir été impressionnés par la façon dont vous impliquez les populations locales à chaque étape du projet de conservation. Qu'est-ce qui a guidé votre démarche? Nous avons voulu aller au-delà des approches dites participatives qui se limitent trop souvent à associer simplement les communautés à la mise en œuvre des actions de conservation en leur confiant des tâches secondaires (main d’œuvre, participation symbolique à de grandes rencontres…, etc.). Ces approches ayant montré leurs limites, nous sommes plus dans la logique de responsabilisation effective des communautés. Elles doivent savoir que la conservation de leur patrimoine est leur affaire avant tout et elles doivent se sentir capables de s’organiser à cette fin. Mon équipe et moi, nous nous contentons d’apporter aux communautés le complément d’information et de technicité dont elles ont besoin pour être plus efficaces. Quel est votre prochain challenge? 79 Le prochain défi est de faire en sorte que les communautés riveraines parviennent à obtenir un statut officiel de Réserve naturelle volontaire pour la forêt des Marais TanoéEhy. Et que les singes en voie de disparition qui n’existent plus que dans cette forêt y prospèrent définitivement grâce à l’action combinée des communautés et de partenaires engagés dans une vision à long terme. Au-delà de la satisfaction de voir nos efforts jouir d’une reconnaissance exceptionnelle au plan international, obtenir un prix si prestigieux est une invitation à plus d’engagement et d’actions. Cela est l’affaire de tous et je sais pouvoir compter sur le ministère de l’Environnement et du Développement durable, le corps préfectoral du département de Tiapoum, le Centre suisse de recherches scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, l’Ufr Biosciences de l’Université de Cocody, les Ong nationales et internationales, et surtout les communautés locales et leurs élus pour continuer de jouer leur partition dans le processus. 80 Fratmat.info Cote d’Ivoire 18th May 2012 http://www.fratmat.info/component/content/article/69-slide/18100distinctionconservation-de-la-nature-le-dr-inza-kone-laureat-du-whitley-award-fornature.html Ivory Coast has just had one more reason to proclaim its back on the international stage. Dr. Inza Koné, a primatologist at the University of Abidjan Cocody and Director of Biodiversity and Food Security at the Swiss Center for Scientific Research, has won this Wednesday, May 9, the Whitley Award for Nature Award for best initiatives scientists in the field of nature conservation. The ceremony was held at the Royal Geographical Society in London. His fight to save the forest Tanoé (southeast of Ivory Coast at the border with Ghana) and fauna (which includes at least three species of endangered monkeys) is the reason that Dr. Inza Koné is distinguished by Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne. "The judges were particularly impressed by how Inza involves local people at every stage of the conservation project including the monitoring of wildlife - while improving the welfare of families with means that reduce the pressure on natural resources” said the statement announcing the coronation of scientific Ivorian. 81 Chester Zoo July 2012 http://www.chesterzoo.org/conservation-and-research/latest-field-news/whitley-awardivory-coast-conservation Prestigious Award for Chester Zoo Supported Project Inza Koné, project manager of a Chester Zoo-supported community-based conservation project in Tanoé Forest on West Africa’s Ivory Coast has won a prestigious Whitley Award for his work. The 12,000 hectare Tanoé forest is home to at least three critically endangered subspecies of monkey; the Roloway guenon, the Whitenapped mangabey and Miss Waldron’s red colobus. In fact, it is the only place where all three primates are thought to exist in the same area. Poaching, logging and small-scale agricultural clearings are the main threats on the forest and in 2008, Inza led a successful campaign to protect the forest against proposals to convert 8,000 hectares of it into a palm oil plantation. Inza Kone receiving his award from HRH Princess Anne The project also works to improve the welfare of local communities and build capacity for them to conduct routine conservation activities and implement development projects. Chester Zoo has supported the Tanoé Forest project for the past five years via its French partner CEPA (Conservation des Espèces et des Populations Animales) and we are delighted that the Whitley Fund for Nature has recognised Inza’s achievements through this award. Congratulations Inza! 82 CSRS website 18th May 2012 http://www.csrs.ch/index_csrs.php 83 All Africa.com 12th May 2012 http://allafrica.com Afrique de l'Ouest: Conservation de la nature - Le Dr Inza Koné lauréat du Whitley Award for nature La Côte d'Ivoire vient d'avoir une raison de plus de clamer son retour sur la scène internationale. Le Dr Inza Koné, primatologue à l'université d'Abidjan Cocody et directeur du département Biodiversité et Sécurité alimentaire au Centre Suisse de Recherche Scientifique, vient de remporter, ce mercredi 9 mai, le Whitley Award for Nature, prix récompensant les meilleures initiatives de scientifiques dans le domaine de la conservation de la nature. La cérémonie de remise s'est tenue au Royal Geographical Society à Londres. C'est pour son combat pour la sauvegarde de la forêt Tanoé (sud-est de la Côte d'Ivoire à la frontière avec le Ghana) et de sa faune (qui comprend au moins trois espèces de singes en voie d'extinction) que le Dr Inza Koné est distingué par Son Altesse Royale, la princesse Anne. « Les juges ont été particulièrement impressionnés par la façon dont Inza implique les populations locales à chaque étape du projet de conservation - y compris la surveillance de la faune - tout en améliorant le bien-être des familles dans les moyens qui réduisent la pression sur les ressources naturelles », indique le communiqué annonçant le sacre du scientifique ivoirien. Félicitant le lauréat 2012 du Whitley Award for Nature, David Wallis, directeur par intérim du Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN, initiateur du prix) a désigné le Dr Koné comme faisant partie des « écologistes qui inspirent un changement réel et positif pour les personnes et les animaux sauvages, ainsi que pour les habitats qu'ils partagent ». Le Whitley Award for Nature comprend une subvention de projet de 30,000 Livres Sterling (environ 24 millions 400 mille francs CFA), un trophée gravé, l'introduction au réseau influent des derniers lauréats Whitley et un perfectionnement professionnel. 84 Grasp.org 15th May 2012 http://www.un-grasp.org/news/87-grasp-scientific-advisor-earns-whitley-award GRASP Scientific Advisor Wins Whitley Award Primate expert Inza Koné, who has served as a member of the Great Apes Survival Partnership (GRASP) Scientific Commission since 2007, has won a Whitley Fund for Nature award in support of community conservation projects in his native Cote d’Ivoire. Koné was honored for his work to protect the 12,000hectare Tanoé Forest, which is home to critically endangered monkey species, including Miss Waldron’s red colobus, which is so rare that scientists had considered it extinct as recently as 2000. Koné received his Whitley Fund for Nature award at a ceremony the Royal Geographical Society in London, where he was lauded for “acting to secure a better future for people and wildlife in a last stronghold of West Africa’s three most endangered primates. “ Princess Anne presented the award, which included a USD $50,000 cash prize. Koné is the Head of Biodiversity and Food Security at the Swiss Centre for Scientific Research in Cote d’Ivoire and the leader of the Country’s Research and Actions for the Conservation of Primates programme (RASAP-CI). “GRASP is extremely proud of Inza and his work to protect primates and their habitat in West Africa,” said GRASP coordinator Doug Cress. “Although based upon science, his work also required the mobilization of communities to play an active role in conserving 85 the forests. That sort of broad-based effort – while difficult – gives us hope that Africa’s primates can have a secure future.” The Tanoé Forest forms a natural border between Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana, but the region traditionally received little conservation attention. It wasn’t until surveys revealed the existence of roloway guenons, white-naped mangabey monkeys, and Miss Waldron’s red colobus – coupled with plans to convert much of the forest in palm oil plantations beginning in 2008 – that Koné could assemble the necessary community support to protect the area. Said Koné: “Local chiefs were enthusiastic about initiating a conservation programme based on the empowerment of local communities. Discussions with them and other community members highlighted their willingness to be organized to protect ancestral heritage and biodiversity for future generations.” To maintain local commitment, Koné and his team provided access to safe drinking water, medical supplies and education to demonstrate that conservation does not have to be a choice between protecting wildlife and human welfare, but instead that conservation and poverty reduction can go hand-in-hand. They are also working to return forest management and biodiversity monitoring responsibilities back to the communities. For more information, please visit http://whitleyaward.org. 86 Synapse website Ivory Coast 18th May 2012 Dr. Inza Koné, lauréat de l’édition 2012 du Whitley Award for Nature Londres, Royal Geographical Society, 9 Mai 2012 – Le Dr Koné Inza a reçu cette semaine des mains de son Altesse Royale, la princesse Anne, le Prix Whitley Award for Nature comprenant le montant de 30,000 Livres Sterling soit 24 400 000 CFA, un trophée gravé, l’introduction au réseau influent des derniers lauréats Whitley et un perfectionnement professionnel. Le Dr. Koné Inza, primatologue à l’université d’Abidjan Cocody et directeur du département Biodiversité et Sécurité alimentaire au Centre Suisse de Recherche Scientifique, est distingué pour son combat inlassable en faveur de la sauvegarde de la Forêt des Marais Tanoé située dans le sud-est de la Côte d’Ivoire à la frontière avec le Ghana et comprenant au moins 3 espèces de singes en voie d’extinction. Ce prix de renommée internationale, vise à récompenser d’éminents chercheurs ayant apporté une contribution majeure dans le domaine de la conservation de la nature. La Côte d’ivoire, de manière plus spécifique, le Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire en tire une grande fierté pour avoir contribué à faire naitre un talent avéré dont les mérites sont plus que jamais reconnus à l’échelle internationale. 87 RASAP-CI website www.rasapci.org LES SINGES SONT EN PERIL : AGIR EST UN DEVOIR ! 88 Les singes sont les espèces animales les plus proches de l’homme aussi bien sur le plan morphologique, comportemental que génétique. Les études sur ces proches cousins peuvent donc être très utiles à l’homme sur plusieurs plans. Malheureusement, sous l’effet de plusieurs menaces dont la principale est la perte de leur habitat, ces sympathiques animaux sont en train de disparaître. La situation est très alarmante dans toute la zone tropicale ouest africaine. En Côte d’ivoire, c’est seulement au Parc National de Taï qu’il existe des programmes de recherches qui assurent encore le maintien de populations viables. De ces programmes est même née une fondation pour la sauvegarde des chimpanzés sauvages. En dehors de cet espace et particulièrement à l’est du fleuve Sassandra, rien n’est fait et les forêts sont presque vidées de leurs populations simiennes. Certaines espèces sont devenues très rares quand d’autres ont carrément disparu. Il y a alors nécessité de mener des actions dans les autres forêts de Côte d’Ivoire, pour dans un premier temps, connaître le statut des singes qui y restent et dans un second temps, assurer la survie de ces derniers. Le temps presse, il faut agir avant qu’il ne soit trop tard ! Le temps presse, il faut agir avant qu’il ne soit trop tard ! A travers ce site, vous verrez ce que le programme Recherche et Actions pour la Sauvegarde des primates de Côte d’Ivoire (RASAP-CI) fait pour répondre à cet appel... 89 Bernal Rodriguez Herrera Costa Rica A cooperative regional strategy for the conservation of Central American bats _________________________________________________ Winner of The Whitley Award donated by The Garfield Weston Foundation _________________________________________________ 90 Telegraph on line showing Bernal’s film 17th May 2011 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/9271764/Whitley-Fund-for-Nature-Awardgiven-to-bat-expert-for-conservation-achievement.html Bernal Rodriguez Herrera, at Tirimbina in Costa Rica, wins an Award for reaching across national borders to co- ordinate conservation action for Central America’s rich array of bats. Winners receive a trophy and professional development training, as well as £30,000 in grant aid, and become part of an influential global network of Whitley Award winners. The Whitley Awards scheme is an annual competition, first held in 1994. Since the scheme began, it has given grants worth more than £9m to support over 140 conservation leaders worldwide. 91 La Nación National Daily Newspaper, Costa Rica 21st May 2012 http://www.nacion.com/2012-05-21/AldeaGlobal/desmitificar-murcielagos-en-procurade-su-conservacion.aspx Desmitificar murciélagos en procura de su conservación Por su trabajo en favor de la conservación de los murciélagos en Centroamérica, el investigador costarricense recibió esta semana el Premio Whitley 2012. Este galardón internacional reconoce a líderes en temáticas de medio ambiente. Bernal Rodríguez biólogo Su trabajo como investigador ha ayudado a desmitificar a los murciélagos en Centroamérica y, más bien, ha dado a conocer cuán importantes son estos mamíferos para mantener la salud del ecosistema, ya sea como polinizadores o como controladores de plagas. Princesa Anne de Inglaterra, en una ceremonia realizada en el Royal Geographical Society, en Londres. Aparte de ser profesor e investigador de la Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR), Rodríguez se desempeña como director académico de Reserva Biológica Tirimbina . Con motivo del premio, Rodríguez intercambió estas palabras con La Nación: 92 ¿Qué significa para usted y para la investigación que se hace en murciélagos un reconocimiento de este tipo? El reconocimiento es importante, ya que para mí es una forma de apoyo y estímulo al trabajo que venimos realizando. Por supuesto que me alegra, pero, sobre todo, nos asegura continuidad en el trabajo de conservación a nivel regional. El conocimiento es esencial al tomar acciones de manejo y conservación, ¿cuáles deberían ser las prioridades de investigación en este sentido? Precisamente, es prioritario capacitar a conservacionistas a nivel regional, formar investigadores, que generen conocimiento para esa toma de decisiones. “Cada país tiene sus prioridades, pero generar, por ejemplo, listas de especies prioritarias en riesgo de extinción y áreas prioritarias para su conservación, es el tipo de información básica en la que estamos trabajando a nivel regional”. ¿Qué se ha logrado en cuanto a conservación de murciélagos en comparación a diez años atrás? ¿Qué nos falta por hacer? Estoy muy contento. Hace diez años, no teníamos libros de murciélagos de Costa Rica; ahora hay al menos dos. Comenzábamos a publicar claves de identificación de especies, a estudiar las distribuciones con colecciones deficientes y, bueno, eso ha cambiado. “Hoy hay producción científica nacional, nuestro conocimiento no depende de quién venga o se vaya. Por el contrario, ya hay estudiantes con maestrías y doctorados trabajando por su país. “Nos falta, claro. No podemos olvidar que el conocimiento es continuo. Tenemos un reto inmenso por delante en términos de conservación. Por mencionar dos ejemplos, creo que es importante entender cómo impactan los cultivos a la diversidad de murciélagos y cómo podemos disminuir esos impactos, o cómo podemos amplificar los servicios ambientales que nos brindan estos mamíferos. También falta mucho trabajo en la difusión de la ciencia para hacer llegar a la sociedad ese conocimiento”. 93 News Organiser.com 17th May 2012 http://www.newsorganizer.com/article/whitley-awards-bernal-rodr%C3%ADgue624e68716d2b83f90dd774226bc34e33/ Whitley awards: Bernal Rodríguez Herrera Bernal Rodríguez Herrera is the Founder and President of the Costa Rican Bat Conservation Programme, is one of the only people ever to film Latin America’s unusual white tent-making bat actually making a tent, and now also spear-heads the co-ordination of bat conservation across Latin America. Costa Rica and its neighbouring countries are home to more species of bat than anywhere else in the world but, where once bats were revered by ancient local cultures as gods and emblems of good luck and fertility, today they are suffering from habitat loss, misunderstanding and persecution. Through the Costa Rican programme and a new Latin American network, Bernal is trying to develop a cross-borders strategy for bat protection. This includes identifying and training young scientists in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador to expand on his own research and conservation work and rally local support. In addition, he wants to give the Central American public more ways to find out about bats and become aware of the vital role they play in eco-system health, especially as pollinators of food crops and as pest controllers. FROM DAVID ATTENBOROUGH’S VOICE-OVER: “Community involvement and education is central to success, with management plans for each country being developed in partnership with local people who are quickly learning that healthy populations of bats are valuable allies. 94 Carlos Vasquez Almazan Guatemala Establishing Guatemala’s first network of nature reserves for amphibian conservation _________________________________________________ Winner of The Whitley Award donated by Fondation Segré _________________________________________________ 95 Telegraph on line showing Carlos’ film 17th May 2011 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/9271764/Whitley-Fund-for-Nature-Award-givento-bat-expert-for-conservation-achievement.html Carlos Vasquez Almazan, in Guatemala wins an Award for work at the Foundation for Ecodevelopment and Conservation creating a network of ‘zero extinction’ zones for amphibians including an important new reserve. Winners receive a trophy and professional development training, as well as £30,000 in grant aid, and become part of an influential global network of Whitley Award winners. The Whitley Awards scheme is an annual competition, first held in 1994. Since the scheme began, it has given grants worth more than £9m to support over 140 conservation leaders worldwide. 96 Amphibian Specialist Group 23rd May 2012 http://www.amphibians.org/blog/2012/05/23/froglog102/ FrogLog has undergone something of a metamorphosis in the past year or so with thanks to the vision of James Lewis and input of the ASG community. A year ago, almost to the day, we launched the first “Regional Focus” edition to shine the spotlight on the impressive array of work being done in different regions, both in understanding and combating amphibian declines. The response to this new format was inspiring, as are the stories of success from around the world. We are bombarded on a daily basis by negative stories from the global media, and news about the state of our environment is rarely positive. But every now and then we are offered glimmers of hope that can serve to empower and inspire. Earlier this month Carlos Vasquez Almazan traveled to London to receive a prestigious Whitley Award for his incredible contribution to amphibian conservation in Guatemala. Carlos has been a key player in identifying and securing key habitat for amphibians including the Sierra Caral, home to a dozen globally threatened amphibians, five of which are found nowhere else in the world. Carlos is an inspiring example of an individual working tirelessly to bridge the gap between science and conservation, and has been a valuable ASG partner. The ASG is also proud to have supported the recent creation of the Rana Terribilis Amphibian Reserve in Colombia, another conservation victory thanks to an collaboration among international and local partners. And then of course there is the Search for Lost Frogs, a simple idea that has caught the attention of the masses from scientist to school children. While we should not mislead people to believing that there is not a problem, we must give them something to believe in if we want them to support the cause to protect amphibians. This sentiment was echoed in a recent comment on Facebook in response to a post about the conservation efforts for the Mountain chicken frog (Leptodactylus fallax): “Successful programs like this need to become more widely known. I think people are willing to support them if they are aware that they pay off.” So let’s keep raising awareness about the plight of amphibians, let’s document and learn from our failures, but let’s also be sure to celebrate and spread the word about our successes, no matter how small or trivial they may seem, because these success stories may just help foster support for the cause. 97 Biofresh Blog 11th May 2012 http://biofreshblog.com/ Two freshwater conservationists win a prestigious Whitley Award for Conservation At this week’s 2012 Whitley Awards Ceremony two freshwater conservationists were among the eight winners. The Whitley Fund for Nature locates and recognizes the world’s most dynamic conservation leaders and support projects founded on good science, community involvement and pragmatism. Ir Bundioni was honored for his efforts to conserve Indonesia’s last population of freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mahakam River system. In 2000 Budi, founded the NGO Yayasan Konservasi RASI (YK-RASI) to protect endangered aquatic species and their habitats in Indonesia. They are working to established community-supported protected areas for the dolphins and their prey and deploying the dolphin as a flagship species to promote the adoption of less harmful fishing practices and the development of ecotourism and other alternative livelihoods. Carlos Vasquez Almazan, Curator of Herpetology at Guatamla’s National Museum of Natural History and Coordinator of the Amphibian Conservation Programme of Foundation for Ecodevelopment and Conservation (FUNDAECO), was honored efforts to rally support for protection of the Sierra Caral cloud forest on the border of Guatemala and Honduras. Carlos has led amphibian surveys across Guatemala discovering new species and re-discovering others thought to be extinct. In so doing he has raised interest in the country’s diverse amphibian fauna. As a result, Guatemala’s first reserve for amphibian conservation, encompassing 2,300 hectares, and protecting five critically endangered species was declared in 2011. The BioFresh Blog salutes the great work of Budi and Carlos and we wish them and their teams every success in the future. 98 Sociedad.com http://www.sociedadonline.com/Junio2012/1125144151310.htm Reconocido en Europa Guatemalteco destaca por su trabajo ecológico. Carlos Vásquez Almazán recibió en Londres, Gran Bretaña, el premio Whitley Award por su proyecto Establecimiento de la primera red de reservas naturales para la conservación de anfibios en Guatemala. El galardonado es el curador de Herpetología del Museo de Historia Natural de la USAC y coordinador del Programa de Conservación de Anfibios, de la Fundación para el Ecodesarrollo y la Conservación -Fundaeco-. Desde 2008 Vásquez dirige esfuerzos nacionales para redescubrir anfibios que se distribuyen en sitios ecológicamente importantes de la Alianza para la Cero Extinción -AZE-, a lo largo del país. 99 Repeating Islands.com 2nd June 2012 http://repeatingislands.com/2012/06/02/blue-vipers-endangered-frogs-and-threatenedbirds-protected-by-new-guatemalan-reserve/ Blue Vipers, Endangered Frogs, and Threatened Birds Protected By New Guatemalan Reserve Conservationists are celebrating the establishment of the new 6,000-acre Sierra Caral Amphibian Reserve in Guatemala, which will protect some of the country’s most endangered wildlife. The reserve is home to a dozen globally threatened frogs and salamanders, five found nowhere else in the world, three species of threatened birds, and the recently discovered Merendon Palm-pitviper (Bothriechis thalassinus), an arboreal, blue-toned viper. Tucked away in the eastern corner of Guatemala near the Caribbean Sea, and running along the Honduran border, the Sierra Caral is an isolated mountain range that is home to numerous rare and endangered animals and plants. Exploration of these mountains has yielded several new discoveries of beetles, salamanders, frogs, and snakes over the past two decades. The site will offer protections for many birds including threatened species such as: the Highland Guan, Great Curassow and Keel-billed Motmot. Furthermore, the site is known as a haven for an abundance of migratory birds including the Canada Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, Wood Thrush, Painted Bunting, Worm-eating Warbler, and Louisiana Waterthrush. 100 “The new Sierra Caral Reserve safeguards key stopover habitat for perhaps millions of migrating U.S. birds, making it an invaluable addition to Central America’s roster of protected areas and a real benefit to U.S. bird conservation efforts,” said Dr. George Fenwick, president of American Bird Conservancy (ABC). The Sierra Caral forests are especially diverse due to the convergence of floras and faunas from North and South America, as well as many species unique to the region. Only a few Merendon Palm Pit Vipers have been found, most often in a palm native to the Sierra Caral. Guatemalan biologist Carlos Vasquez Almazan, one of the few individuals to find a Merendon Palm-pitviper in the wild, drew international scientific attention to the conservation importance of the Sierra Caral in recent years. He was recently awarded the prestigious Whitley Award for Conservation that recognizes outstanding nature conservationists around the world. Speaking to the accomplishments of Carlos Vasquez Almazan in Guatemala, Sir David Attenborough noted, “Surveys of the area uncovered not only species new to science, but also led to the rediscovery of several previously thought to have become extinct.” Brian Sheth, chair of Global Wildlife Conservation said, “The Sierra Caral reserve is important not only for the rare and endangered species that are unique to the region, but also as a corridor for animals between the continents.” The remaining wild lands of the Sierra Caral are a critical component of the “Jaguar Corridor” that will permit large-ranging species such as Mountain Lions, migratory birds, and other wildlife to continue moving between the continents as they have done for millennia. Still largely unexplored by scientists, the almost 6,000 acres of core forest in this isolated site, and the species that depend on them, were almost lost. “Each year 70,000 hectares of Guatemala’s forests disappear due to the expansion of agriculture and timber extraction, threatening not only wildlife but also the well-being of local people who rely on the clean water and other ecosystem services they provide,” said Sir David Attenborough. Despite official pleas for forest protection by the local communities and a leading Guatemalan conservation organization, FUNDAECO, this area has been steadily deforested over the past decade. Rampant clear-cutting and shortsighted conversion of the mountain slopes into cattle pasture have followed large land acquisitions by a few individuals. As a result of these activities, the rivers that originate in these mountains and provide freshwater for thousands of people have been degraded for surrounding communities, and the risk of devastating landslides has increased. Local communities persuaded the Guatemalan Congress to declare the area a nationally protected area; however, budgetary restrictions prevented the government from purchasing the privately owned lands. Over the past year, a consortium of fifteen international conservation groups, led by Global Wildlife Conservation, partnered with FUNDAECO to raise the funds needed to purchase the last stands of primary forest in the Sierra Caral. Critical support was received from the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (USFWS), World Land 101 Trust-US, International Conservation Fund of Canada (ICFC), American Bird Conservancy, Conservation International, and others. “This is a real triumph for the planet – conservationists across North and Central America banded together to save the last stand of this unique rainforest.” said Dr. Paul Salaman, CEO of World land Trust-US. 102 FIRSTPOST.com 103 Facebook.com Hecho en Guatemala ¿Sabía usted? recientemente el guatemalteco, Carlos Vásquez Almazán, un experto en anfibios de Guatemala, fue uno de los siete ganadores del Fondo Whitley de este año para los Premios de la naturaleza. Carlos gana el premio Whitley por su trabajo para crear la primera red de Guatemala, de las áreas protegidas de anfibios en peligro de extinción. Carlos, un experto en anfibios y el coordinador del programa a la conservación sin fines de lucro, FUNDAECO, recibió el honor durante una ceremonia en la Royal Geographical Society en Londres, organizada por Whitley para la Naturaleza (WFN) - la organización benéfica del Reino Unido que organiza el esquema de premios internacionales. El premio Whitley comprende una subvención para el proyecto de £ 30,000 - donado por la Fundación Segr é - un trofeo grabado, miembro de la influyente red de últimos ganadores de los premios Whitley y la formación de desarrollo profesional. El premio reconoce sus esfuerzos para establecer por primera vez en Guatemala reserva natural de los anfibios en la Sierra Caral, tras el descubrimiento de muchas especies que se creía extintas o desconocidas para la ciencia, y crear una red nacional de otros santuarios en todo el país. Al felicitar a Carlos por su éxito, la actuación de la WFN director David Wallis, dijo: "El objetivo del régimen Premio Whitley es identificar y apoyar a los conservacionistas que están inspirar el cambio real y positivo para la gente y la vida silvestre y los hábitats que comparten. En el caso de Carlos Vásquez Almazán, los jueces quedaron particularmente impresionados por la forma en que aumenta el conocimiento y fomenta el orgullo por estas fascinantes criaturas, y por su determinación para hacer de Guatemala una zona de 'extinción cero' para los anfibios". Fuente: Whitley Fund Nature; Sitio Web: http://bit.ly/M5Absj. Vea el video de agradecimiento de Carlos Almazán: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pAbuNNfjRI 104 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqYVKVVF7uY Carlos Vasquez Almazan, an amphibian expert from Guatemala, is one of seven winners of this year's Whitley Fund for Nature Awards. Carlos wins a Whitley Award for his work to create Guatemala's first network of protected areas for endangered amphibians. The video narrated by Sir David Attenborough, describes his work. 105