The award was granted by the Hungarian Ministry for Rural Development, a Member of IUCN.

“I feel extremely proud to have been offered this prestigious award by my homeland Hungary,” says Julia Marton-Lefèvre. “Preserving the natural environment is of paramount importance to the well-being of all humanity. With the current unprecedented rates of biodiversity loss, I hope that more and more people join our efforts to save our planet’s natural realm.”

Prior to taking on the role of IUCN Director General in 2007, Julia Marton-Lefèvre was involved in directing a number of international organizations. Among others, she played a prominent role in the management of the LEAD program, the objective of which was to prepare leaders from around the world to take on challenges related to sustainable development.

As Executive Director of the International Council for Science, Julia Marton-Lefèvre worked to promote scientific activities for the benefit of humanity. IUCN Director General was also the Rector of the University of Peace, an organization established by the United Nations General Assembly.

Julia Marton-Lefèvre received the Pro Natura Award at a ceremony that took place last week in the Hungarian Parliament. During the event, Hungary’s State Secretary for Environmental Affairs Zoltán Illés emphasized the fact that her efforts to conserve the environment have had a strong impact on the development of environmental protection and nature conservation in Hungary.