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The ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Species Survival Commission (SSC) is an exceptional network of experts who contribute their time and considerable talents through Specialist Groups, Task Forces and other groups. In July 2024, Guinness World Records® recognised SSC as the "largest volunteer conservation-science network”. Understanding the complexity of our voluntary network, and the importance of celebrating our achievements, SSC has established an awards process to more publicly recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of its membership.��

“Despite their very busy professional lives, SSC members voluntarily dedicate many hours each week to the work of the Commission. As we continue to grow and incorporate new members, we are also privileged by the long-term dedication of those that have been part of the Commission for decades. Our awards thus recognize the contributions of new members and groups as well as their life-long achievements. We are deeply grateful to all for their valuable dedication to saving species.” said Jon Paul Rodríguez, SSC Chair.

Within the framework of the 5th SSC Leaders’ Meeting, the work of 14 Commission's experts and 50 SSC Groups was recognised with four SSC awards.

The Sir Peter Scott Award for Conservation Merit

This is the “senior” SSC award, dating back to 1984. It is presented to individuals in recognition of significant and long-term service to conservation through their work with the SSC or associated institutions. Achievements are recognisable as particularly significant and noteworthy contributions to the conservation of wild fauna and flora, especially threatened species. This quadrennial we celebrate the effort of 6 awardees Anthony Brome Rylands, Topiltzin (Topis) Contreras, Gregory Mueller, Onnie Byers, Roderic B. Mast, and Sara Oldfield. They all have been outstanding leaders and made significant contributions to species conservation assessments, planning and action.

The George Rabb Award for Conservation Innovation

This award was created in honor of Dr George Rabb, Chair of SSC from 1989 to 1996, for outstanding innovation and creativity in species conservation in the context of the SSC, in recognition of delivering transformational advances in conservation theory and practice. On this occasion the award recipient was Sanjay Molur, for his invaluable contributions to SSC for over 30 years, pivotal in species conservation across South Asia.

The Harry Messel Award for Conservation Leadership

Professor Harry Messel was a former long-standing Chair of the SSC Crocodile Specialist Group. The award, established in 2004 in his name, recognises exemplary service to the SSC, especially from individuals who have made a specific contribution to species conservation on the ground or through their leadership, as part of the work of an SSC Specialist Group or Task Force. Axel Hochkirch, Alexandra Zimmermann, Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, Domitilla Raimondo, Nick Dulvy, Cybele Sabino Lisboa, and Mariella Superina, were awardees this year for their contributions to raising global awareness and influencing biodiversity conservation efforts worldwide.

The SSC Chair's Citation of Excellence

This award recognises SSC groups for their outstanding contributions to the Key Species Results of the Species Strategic Plan, allocated throughout the five components of the Species Conservation Cycle: Network – Assess – Plan – Act – Communicate. The analysis of the contributions of each group was based on the information provided through SSC DATA.

SSC awardees and the Saves Species Sustains Life declaration

The SSC Awards ceremony was the preamble to the closing statement produced by the more than 300 experts during the 5th SSC Leaders’ Meeting. The commitment of this exceptional community was captured and presented in the ‘Saving Species Sustains Life’ declaration. The declaration was published in 7 languages: English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Portuguese, German, and Mandarin and represents a call to action for diverse sectors to prioritise species conservation within their activities and strategies.

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