Georgina has been writing about science and conservation for over ten years - online, print and for NGOs and a UN agency. Ever since hearing the mating call of a tortoise -something between the rumbling of a whale and a vuvuzela-on the small island of Ile Aigrettes in Mauritius, Georgina has been hooked on reptiles and endangered creatures. Originally from Australia, Georgina recommends that travellers look under the waters for the real beauty of Sydney--it is there that you will see the glorious wobbegong carpet shark.
The Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) has announced this year’s 30 award-winning projects in 19 different countries, worth a total of $492,000.
“For many awardees, this is the first time that they have received funding to manage their own conservation projects so it’s a great boost in their careers. This year, for the first time, we’ll be supporting people in Belize, Iraq and Macedonia to carry out their work,” said Stuart Paterson, CLP’s Programme Manager based at Fauna & Flora International.
The awards also include Follow-up and Leadership prizes for previous winners whose projects have already achieved success. For example, one group of researchers has released studies into two highly threatened and poorly known amphibian species in China, a year after their award win.
Another project aims to reduce the supply and consumption of pangolins and turtles in restaurants in Guangzhou-a Chinese city that has a long history of wildlife consumption.
“We’re confident that we’re funding credible conservation leaders because we can see the successful results from these projects and how the financial support has helped them,” added Stuart.
But the award winners do not just receive financial support. All award-winning team members will become part of the CLP alumni network that supports approximately 3,500 conservation leaders. Without this network it can be difficult for people to work in conservation in often challenging and isolated environments.
Alumni members also receive access to additional grants, mentoring from CLP staff and training. A representative from each award-winning team will take part in the CLP’s International Training Course in June 2011 at a remote ecological research station in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies.
The CLP has supported over 530 projects since the programme’s inception in 1985.
The CLP is a partnership of Fauna & Flora International, BirdLife International, Conservation International and the Wildlife Conservation Society
Visit the awards page on the Conservation Leadership Programme’s website for more information.
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