Wanted: Champions of Biodiversity

 

Everybody loves a superhero. But did you know that there are real heroes who work to conserve biodiversity every single day? No, they don't have superhuman abilities. What they have is the commitment to ensure that the future generations will enjoy the benefits we reap today from the world's rich biological resources.
This year, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) and German International Cooperation (GIZ) will recognize heroes in the 2014 ASEAN Champions of Biodiversity, a recognition programme for outstanding projects on biodiversity conservation and advocacy in Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Supported by Germany's GIZ through the ACB-GIZ Biodiversity and Climate Change Project (BCCP), the ASEAN Champions of Biodiversity has three categories: Most Outstanding Biodiversity Conservation Project by an individual or corporation in the business sector; Most Outstanding Biodiversity Reportage by a media practitioner or a media organization; and Most Outstanding Biodiversity Conservation and/or Advocacy Project by a young person or a youth organization. Persons may nominate themselves, their own organizations, or a third party whom they believe should receive recognition.
Deadline for receipt of nominations has been extended until 31 August. The nomination form may be downloaded from www.champions.aseanbiodiversity.org.
The ASEAN Champions of Biodiversity seeks to become a force multiplier by identifying and engaging leaders among the business, media and youth sectors who will spread awareness for the urgent need to conserve biodiversity.
Winners will receive token cash prizes and will be recognized in November. A publication of best practices will also be produced based on the stories of the finalists and winners.
For more information on the ASEAN Champions of Biodiversity, log on to champions.aseanbiodiversity.org. The Secretariat of the ASEAN Champions of Biodiversity may be contacted via e-mail at champions@aseanbiodiversity.org.