IUCN award conservation champions at its tenth anniversary
Suva, Fiji, 16 February, 2017 (IUCN) - A milestone was reached yesterday for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as it celebrated its tenth anniversary marking a decade since its establishment in Oceania. As part of the event, that was held at the Fiji Museum, IUCN launched its inaugural conservation awards in recognition of the individuals and organisations that have outstandingly contributed to conservation in the Oceania region.
Photo: IUCN Oceania
Photo: IUCN Oceania
Photo: IUCN Oceania
Among the awardees, the Government of Fiji through the Department of Environment and National Trust of Fiji were honoured with Special Recognition Awards for being instrumental in the establishment of IUCN in Fiji while Mr. Robin Yarrow, Professor Randolf Thaman and Dr. Phillipe Gerbeaux were presented with the Individual Recognition Awards for their dedication and commitment towards the organisation and their work in conservation and sustainable development within the region. While receiving their awards, the recipients acknowledged IUCN for its convening role and contribution to the region.
“All conservation NGOs and regional organisations must build partnerships and I thank IUCN for finding that niche and bringing us together”, said Randy Thaman as he received his award.
Chief Guest and Permanent Secretary for Local Government, Housing and Environment Joshua Wycliffe emphasized the importance of having the voice of Pacific people heard in the international arena and wished IUCN all the best as he delivered his opening remarks.
“Our islands may drown but our voices will be heard. Together we will make the world understand our plight and the dangers we face from climate change. As we celebrate the success of the last ten years, let us not lose sight of the next ten years. Let us make our Pacific safe for us and our future generations”, Wycliffe highlighted.
Since the establishment of IUCN in Fiji, the organisation has been recognised as an institution of independent advise and policy dialogue for conservation-related issues that challenged the people of the Pacific.
“IUCN in Oceania has come a long way since 2007. We started off with three staff and have now grown to forty-three. IUCN would not have been able to function without its partners, and State and NGO members. It has been a remarkable decade for IUCN in Oceania and there is great anticipation and hope for what the future may bring”. Regional Director Taholo Kami shared.
IUCN was established in 2007 and officially recognised as an international organisation in Fiji on 6th November 2008.
For more information, please contact:
Epeli Nakautoga, Communications Officer, IUCN Office
Tel: +679 3319084, Mobile: +679 9486706, epeli.nakautoga@iucn.org; Web: https://www.iucn.org/oceania
S’abonner à un bulletin de l’UICN.