Recipients 2024
Anthony Brome Rylands. His pioneering fieldwork on South American primates and comprehensive evaluations of primate taxonomy, unique to the IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group, have been instrumental in driving global primate conservation efforts. His work has significantly shaped our understanding of primate diversity and its implications for conservation. For decades, Anthony has been a central figure in primate conservation and the go-to authority for taxonomy and conservation status for the entire primate conservation. He occupies a truly unique role and is irreplaceable.
Einar Topiltzin. His exceptional contributions to the IUCN SSC, particularly his leadership in the Freshwater Fish Specialist Group and as Co-Chair of the IUCN/SSC Freshwater Conservation Committee, have had a global impact. His extensive research and leadership have been instrumental in conserving threatened freshwater fish species in Mexico and beyond, and his contributions to the IUCN Red List assessments and global conservation initiatives are also acknowledged.
Gregory Mueller. He has been a key figure in fungal conservation within the IUCN SSC, founding the Fungal Conservation Committee and leading the Global Fungal Red List Initiative, dramatically increasing fungi on the IUCN Red List. His work developing conservation tools and strategies, including machine learning models for species risk assessment, has significantly advanced fungal conservation globally, making a substantial impact on the field.
Onnie Byers. She has provided exceptional leadership for over three decades within the IUCN SSC, particularly as Chair of the Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG). She has been instrumental in developing CPSG's signature One Plan Approach, uniting ex-situ and in situ conservation stakeholders behind integrated species conservation strategies. Under her leadership, CPSG has expanded globally, establishing Regional Resource Centers and training conservationists worldwide.
Roderic B. Mast. He has dedicated his career to sea turtle conservation, co-chairing the IUCN Marine Turtle Specialist Group since 2003. He co-founded the State of the World’s Sea Turtles (SWOT) program, which has unified a global network of conservationists and scientists, revolutionizing sea turtle conservation efforts worldwide. His leadership in developing Regional Management Units and the Conservation Priorities Portfolio has been instrumental in setting priorities for Red List assessments and guiding conservation action.
Sara Oldfield. Through her leadership and advocacy, she has a profoundly and globally recognized impact on tree and plant conservation. As Chair of the IUCN Global Tree Specialist Group since 2003, she has driven key conservation initiatives, including the Global Tree Assessment and the establishment of the Global Trees Campaign. Her leadership at Botanic Gardens Conservation International (2005-2015) advanced the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, influencing conservation programs, capacity building, and public engagement worldwide.
