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Every four years, the CEC Regional Award recognizes individuals from around the world whose longstanding commitment to conservation communication and environmental education has advanced CEC’s mission and goals in their region.

Learn more about the 2024 CEC Regional Awardees and watch videos about their work:Ìý

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• Vivienne Solis Rivera (Costa Rica) was recognized for 20 years of service to Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥ CEC, and advancing conservation and human rights in Costa Rica and across Central America. Her organisation, , founded in 2000, works to ensure that cultural and biological wealth improves the quality of life of the population, with justice and equity, through support in participatory decision-making processes at the local and national levels. Vivienne’s work centers human rights and equitable access to nature in environmental and marine planning. She has contributed to over 100 publications on ecosystem management and human rights in conservation, and her work has impacted over 7,000 people in Costa Rica and 10,000 more around the world.
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• Maulidi Mwinyikai (Kenya) was honoured for his leadership as Founder of the which sparks love for nature across Kenyan youth and supports them to become the green leaders and conservation champions of the future. Maulid is a renowned artist, environmental activist and practitioner in community development, health care and team building. He has created and adapted educational and communications resources in Swahili to further engage local communities in environmental efforts. Through his art, music, and educational programme, Maulidi reaches over 10,000 youth annually across Kenya.
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• Dr. Biswajit De (India) was awarded for his role in designing and leading community environmental awareness and conservation education programs across northern India. An Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥ CEC Member for the last seven years, Dr. De designed and launched a network of over 250 schools and colleges in India that connects urban and rural students on environmental projects. Dr. De’s organization, , also launched the Youth Climate & Conservation Fellowship Programme (YCCFP) has become one of the most unique conservation education programs in India. The Programme received seed funding from the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥ CEC and inspired by #NatureForAll, and is in-sync with the 2020 Mandates of the National Education Policy (NEP) of the Ministry of Education of India.
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• Lukasz Madrzynski (China) was acknowledged by the CECÌýfor his role as a proactive member of Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥ CEC and his support for Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥ Member organizations, including Jane Goodall Foundation, the Nature Conservancy and China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation. Lukasz has also served as a Member of theÌý Lijiang Conservation and Development Association, Yulong Wildlife Conservation Association and UNESCO-WHIRTAP Asia Pacific Heritage Practitioners Network. Born in Europe and living in East Asia, Lukasz has worked towards thoughtful intercultural exchange on conservation issues, and has helped to communicate environmental challenges and innovative solutions through posts, articles, videos and interviews featured on local and international media channels including LijiangTV, China Daily, Discovery Channel and National Geographic among others.
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• Johannes Kostenzer (Austria) was honoured for advancing public engagement in conservation and his defence of biodiversity and landscapes in the Tyrol region of Austria on multiple fronts. Johannes serves as Festival Director of the and is passionate about inspiring connections between people and nature through film. He also serves as Environmental Ombudsman for the Tiroler Umweltanwaltschaft, which supports community dialogues to enhance understanding of regional conservation work and the impact of proposed regional developments.
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• Jesse Hildebrand (Canada) was recognizedÌýfor his exceptional work connecting students and teachers with global conservation issues. Jesse is currently the Canadian Chair for #NatureForAll, and VP for Education at , which brings free live lessons and interactive resources on biodiversity and conservation to teachers and students around the world. His lessons have reached over 1.5 million students worldwide. Jesse is also the founder of Science Literacy Week – a national science festival held across Canada every September.