WWF Roll of Honour

The following people have been added to the WWF Roll of Honour in recognition of their outstanding contribution to conservation and to WWF. This honour is granted posthumously.

Beryl Ivey was one of Canada's most noted philanthropists and made a life-long commitment to conservation, from species research and protecting endangered spaces to environmental education. She is remembered for her substantial support of WWF in Canada and worldwide. She was awarded the WWF Gold Panda Award in 2005.

Sir Edmund Hillary is remembered for his long-standing involvement and support of WWF. He served on the WWF International Advisory Council from 1986 until 1994, when he became a Special Adviser to WWF. He received the Order of the Golden Ark from HRH Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, Founder President of WWF.

Toyono Eito was one of Japan's most knowledgeable and leading writers about endangered animals. He was editor of WWF Japan's monthly journal since the 1980s. Mr Eito is also remembered for his long association with WWF, as a board member and adviser.

WWF Staff Roll of Honour

Inaugurated in 2006, after the tragic loss of life in the Nepal helicopter crash, the WWF Staff Roll of Honour is dedicated to WWF staff members who, sadly, have lost their lives in the course of their work. This year, the following names have been added:

Jose Domingos, Community Officer, WWF Mozambique
Jose Joao, Technician, Marine Turtles Protection Programme, WWF Mozambique
Smart Tembo, Project Support Officer, WWF Zambia

WWF Leaders for a Living Planet

WWF presents the Leaders for a Living Planet award to individuals who make significant personal contributions through their inspiring leadership and example. This year, two Leaders for a Living Planet were honoured.

Onder Kyraç, Environmental Protection Agency for Special Areas (EPASA), Turkey
The award was presented to the agency's President, Onder Kyraç in recognition of outstanding conservation success in the Mediterranean, particularly in working with the government of Turkey to establish a network of marine protected areas around the Turkish coast. The award particularly honours the role of EPASA in the creation of the Kas-Kekova protected area.

Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kemal Yalynkylyc, General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, Turkey
Mustafa Kemal Yalinkiliç accepted the award in recognition of his outstanding conservation work in the creation, planning and management of protected areas, including national parks, nature reserves and monuments.

WWF Award for Conservation Merit

The WWF Award for Conservation Merit is given in recognition of demonstrated long-standing commitment to local, grass-roots conservation. This year's awards were presented to:

Association for Forests, Development and Conservation (AFDC), Lebanon
Sawsan Abu Fakhreddine, Director General, received the award on behalf of the AFDC, in recognition of outstanding contribution to forest conservation, management and restoration.

Association for Nature, Environment and Sustainable Development (SUNCE), Croatia
Ljiljana Prebanda, President, and Zrinka Jakl of SUNCE were presented with the award in recognition of outstanding achievement in preserving biological diversity and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources around the Dalmatian coast and islands. The award also recognised SUNCE's leading role in marine and coastal issues in Croatia and in the declaration of Lastovo Archipelago Nature Park. SUNCE was founded in 1998 by a group of volunteers, and has today evolved into a professional environmental association.

Association for the Protection of the Environment (AZIR), Morocco
Saliha Ziani received the award on behalf of AZIR in recognition of outstanding environmental and nature work in Morocco, especially for the conservation of Al Hoceima's marine habitat, and for addressing the impact of driftnets and destructive fishing methods. The work of AZIR demonstrates how a grassroots environmental organization can achieve concrete conservation goals.

Bulent Baykal, Turkey
Bulent Baykala, the Director of the Antalya Regional Council for the Protection of Cultural and Natural Assets, received the award in recognition of his dedication to protecting the cultural and natural heritage of the Antalya region. The award also recognised his outstanding work and commitment in promoting sustainable tourism in the Mediterranean while benefiting the local population.

WWF Member of Honour

Nergis Yazgan, Member of the Board of Directors and Former CEO of WWF-Turkey
Mrs Nergis Yazgan is one of the most dedicated, respected and innovative conservation leaders in Turkey. She is appointed Member of Honour in recognition of her lifelong dedication and commitment to the conservation of species and spaces in Turkey; and especially for her leadership role in the founding and development of WWF Turkey.

WWF Gold Panda Award

GarantiBank, Turkey
The Gold Panda is awarded in recognition of significant financial contribution to WWF. Chief Executive Officer, Ergun Ozen, accepted the WWF Gold Panda Award on behalf of GarantiBank in recognition of its long-term, substantial financial support of WWF Turkey and conservation.

WWF-Turkey Local Partner Award

The award was presented to Bahattin Sürücü on behalf of Ecosystem Preservation and Nature Lovers Association (EKODOSD), for its achievements at Lake Bafa and to Ismail Mentes, for his achievements in the Küre Mountains.

WWF-Turkey Panda Award

The award was presented to Harun Guçlusoy on behalf of the seal research group, SAD-AFAG for their years of dedicated work on the protection of the Mediterranean monk seal. Esra Koc and Aylin Koc received the award for rescuing an injured Mediterranean monk seal and for creating public awareness of this issue.

WWF-Turkey Conservation Vision Award

Belkys Balpynar and Tansu Gurpynar received the award for their understanding of the importance of nature conservation, and for their long-term support in protecting the environment.

WWF-Turkey Honorary Award and Special Tribute
A special tribute was made in honour of WWF founder, Dr Luc Hoffmann, who celebrated his 85th birthday this year. Dr Hoffmann's distinguished career of more than 50 years. His award from WWF-Turkey is in special recognition of his support of WWF's work in Turkey and throughout the Mediterranean region.