Conservationists recognised with awards
Three outstanding conservationists were honoured by the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥ World Commission on Protected Areas at the 5th International Marine Congress (IMPAC5).
Dr Eleanor Sterling
Dr Kristina Gjerde
Dr MarÃa del Carmen GarcÃa Rivas
Dr Eleanor Sterling, Director of the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, who spent more than two decades leading the, received the Fred Packard Award in recognition of more than 30 years’ work in conservation. Sadly Dr Eleanor passed away in January 2023.
Lawyer Dr Kristina Gjerde, Senior High Seas Advisor to the , also received the for her efforts to secure legal protections for the  beyond national jurisdiction.
And Dr MarÃa del Carmen GarcÃa Rivas, a researcher and ranger with 25 years’ experience working with communities to protect wildlife and restore ecosystems, received the . This recognised her leadership of the Hurricane Insurance Project in Puerto Morelos National Park, and being a role model for rangers and conservation professionals.