The Conservation Leadership Programme aims to develop leadership potential in a new generation of conservation professionals Zoom In

Conservation Leadership Programme announces 2008 awardees

24-06-2008

Young conservation biologists’ efforts are helping to preserve our planet

The Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) has announced the winners of the 2008 Conservation Team Awards. Support totaling US$ 475,000 (EU€ 304,500) was awarded to 28 research teams from 14 different countries to help conservation leaders of the future.

CLP, formerly known as the BP Conservation Programme, supports the vital work of a new rising generation of conservation professionals who are helping to drive practical projects addressing a wide range of global environmental issues.

This years CLP funded projects include:

• Involving Local Communities in the Conservation of Vulnerable Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca, Georgia
• Wintering Ecology of Vulnerable Hooded Crane Grus monacha at Chongming Dongtan, China
• Endangered Lesser Florican Sypheotides indicus Community Leadership Programme, India
• Critically Endangered Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis Conservation and Research Initiative, India

“The Conservation Leadership Programme awards aim to develop leadership potential in a new generation of conservation professionals” —Marianne Carter, CLP Executive Manager

“We are able to address global conservation priorities at a local level by assisting and encouraging teams of young people to undertake important conservation projects around the world”, said Marianne Carter, CLP Executive Manager.

In 2008 the programme received 149 applications for their Future Conservationist, Leadership and Follow-up awards. “We received some great applications this year - I can’t wait to congratulate the winners in person”, said Marianne.

As part of the award, one member from each team is heading to Tennessee (USA) to represent their project at a special training course. The course is being held in conjunction with the Society for Conservation Biology’s Annual Meeting in Chattanooga. The CLP introductory training is aiming to develop innovative project management, education, facilitation and communication skills.

Conservation Leadership Programme Sharing ideas and experience is an important component of the Conservation Leadership Programme. Zoom In

“We received some great applications this year” —Marianne Carter

In addition, CLP is teaming up with IDEA WILD - an organisation that works to minimise biodiversity loss by providing biologists and educators working in developing countries with equipment and supplies to aid in their conservation efforts. IDEA WILD has committed a minimum of $500 worth of equipment to each CLP award-winning team.

Over its 17-year history, CLP has supported nearly 3,000 individuals, many of whom have continued working in the fields of conservation and development. In an overwhelming number of cases, projects that were initiated by these individuals continue to expand beyond the initial support provided by the CLP.

For more detailed information on this years awardees and their conservation research projects, visit the CLP website

The Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) is a partnership between BP, BirdLife International, Fauna & Flora International, Conservation International and the Wildlife Conservation Society. The initiative has been running since 1985. The partners share a common concern for, and a commitment to, our natural environment and its constituent biodiversity. The missions of the four conservation organizations are dedicated to the notion of conserving biodiversity and supporting a sustainable relationship between people and nature.