Protected and conserved areas champions celebrated at the IUCN WCPA Awards ceremony

The event was held in the presence of Dr Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General; Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD); Dr Madhu Rao, IUCN WCPA Chair; and Trevor Sandwith, Director of the IUCN Centre for Conservation Action; alongside Hilde Eggermont, IUCN Vice President (2021–2025); Darlene Upton, Vice President, Protected Areas Establishment and Conservation at Parks Canada; Carl Amirgulashvili, Head of the Biodiversity and Forest Department, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia; and Catherine Iorns, Professor of Law at Victoria University of Wellington.

“Protected areas are not only close to our hearts—they are the source of life for countless people around the world. They inspire many, they promote well-being, and they are home to wildlife and a true treasure chest of biodiversity. To those of you working in and for protected areas, let me say: thank you for the incredible work you are doing. You are essential to IUCN. This Union is stronger because of you —all of you— the volunteers, the scientists, the practitioners, the individuals who dedicate time, energy and a deep commitment to protecting these unique areas,” said Dr Grethel Aguilar, Director General, IUCN.

“Warmest congratulations from the CBD to our 14 awardees. Your achievements must be celebrated because we are one community of practice. They are crucial for the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework, including and in particular its iconic Target 3: 30 x 30. We call it the lighthouse target, because it's a target most everybody has heard about. It's a lighthouse because it needs to shine the light on the 22 other targets,” said Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity.  

The awards spanned three categories, each reflecting a different dimension of conservation leadership. The Fred Packard Award paid tribute to those who have given years of outstanding service to protected areas, ensuring that natural places continue to thrive for generations to come.  

Julia Carabias Lillo

In recognition of her lifelong dedication to advancing ecosystem conservation, sustainable development, and environmental justice in Mexico.

Stephen Woodley

In recognition of his exceptional contribution to the science and practice of protected area management.

Stanley Arguedas Mora 

In recognition of his transformative leadership in strengthening planning, management, and training for conservation across Latin America.

Michael Brombacher 

In recognition of his steadfast leadership and vision in building resilient protected areas across Eastern Europe, particularly in Ukraine during times of deep crisis.

Kathy MacKinnon 

In recognition of Dr. Kathy MacKinnon for her indefatigable dedication to expanding the protection of areas of significant biodiversity value the world over.

The Kenton R. Miller Award recognised innovation, highlighting bold ideas and practices that have transformed the way protected and conserved areas are managed.

“WCPA's incredible influence is entirely due to two things. The first is passion. It's the unwavering passion of individuals towards protected areas, towards nature conservation, towards biodiversity protection. And the second is their unwavering commitment for service for nature conservation. And I think these are the characteristics that embody some of the individuals that we are going to honour today,” said Madhu Rao, Chair of IUCN WCPA.

Sonali Ghosh

In recognition of her pioneering and transformative leadership in protected area management.

Roque Sevilla

In recognition of his lifelong dedication to advancing nature conservation in Ecuador.

The Kathy MacKinnon Award, formerly the WCPA Chair Award, acknowledges WCPA members who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and long-standing commitment to the Commission’s mission. Together, these awards highlight the vision, innovation, and dedication driving the future of conservation worldwide.

Marc Hockings 

In recognition of Prof. Marc Hockings for his unwavering commitment to WCPA’s mandate. Marc has contributed significantly to improving the quality of PCAs globally, from pioneering the PAME framework to the Green List Standard.  

Sue Stolton and Nigel Dudley 

In recognition of Sue Stolton and Nigel Dudley for their extraordinary commitment to WCPA’s publications and knowledge products.

Brent Mitchell 

In recognition of Brent Mitchell for his contribution toward strengthening the positioning of WCPA through strategic partnerships and for helping advance new areas of emphasis for the Commission.

Mike Appleton 

In recognition of Mike Appleton for his vitally important efforts to support the work of park rangers across the globe.  

Julia Miranda Londono 

In recognition of Julia Miranda Londono for her enduring efforts toward advancing the conservation of nature in protected and conserved areas.

Erika Vaida-Bela 

In recognition of Erika Vaida-Bela’s contributions toward advancing the WCPA mandate in the Europe region. 

This year’s 14 awardees embody what it means to serve both people and planet. Their contributions range from pioneering new governance models to decades of on-the-ground stewardship. Together, they represent the diversity of approaches needed to address today’s conservation challenges, from scientific breakthroughs to tireless advocacy, from community partnerships to global policy influence.

“It was a great decision by Madhu [Rao] to name the Chair’s Award the Kathy MacKinnon Award. It speaks to the kind of person who inspires others—the awardees, and everyone who’s motivated by commitment, perseverance, and never giving up. Whatever it is that drives you, whatever keeps you awake at night—we need to carry that with us,” said Trevor Sandwith, Director, IUCN Centre for Conservation Action.

The ceremony closed with a reminder that behind every award is a network of communities, organisations and individuals who make change possible. Through these celebrations, IUCN WCPA reaffirms its dedication to a nature-positive future, built not on individual achievements alone but on shared determination and hope.