The International Ranger Federation (IRF) and IUCN’s World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) calls on a yearly basis for nominations for the prestigious YOUNG CONSERVATIONIST AWARD (YCA).

The award aims to recognize and raise awareness of the outstanding contributions made to the management of protected areas, and leadership shown, by young conservationists. It also seeks to encourage young professionals and help them develop networks by inviting winners to join WCPA. 

A first round of submission was registered until mid April. However, we are pleased to announce the extension of the application deadline until Monday, June 30^th 2008 to encourage deserving young professionals to raise awareness on their outstanding contribution in promoting effective protected area management.

In 2006, Christian Teran, a twenty eight year old Ecuadorian national, was awarded the Young Conservationist Award issued for the very first time by the joint initiative. He was particularly commended for his crucial role in creating and effectively managing the Gran Reserva Chachi, a community conserved area in northern Ecuador’s Choco forest. Christian’s dedication, innovation and capacity to deal with adversity have contributed to the success of the Gran Reserva Chachi, making it a model of effective community conservation both locally and internationally.

Alike last YCA, in recognition of her/his valuable work, the winner will be given the opportunity to develop her/his network by joining WCPA, the world’s premier network of protected area experts as a new member.

Applications should be sent preferably via e-mail to:

Djinn Pourkiani
Programme on Protected Areas
The World Conservation Union (IUCN)
Rue Mauverney 28
Gland, CH-1196, Switzerland
Phone: + 41 (22) 999-0161
Fax: + 41 (22) 999 0025
E-mail: djinn.pourkiani@iucn.org

Deadline for submissions: Monday 30^th of June 2008