From left to right: Dr. Carol Dawson and Nunia Thomas-Moko.
The Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) is excited to announce the winners of its 2024 Group Awards for outstanding contributions to biodiversity protection.
Whether protecting endangered species and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources or promoting large-scale seed collection efforts, SCB award winners work to bridge the gap between the science and practice of conserving Earth's biodiversity.
Winners are nominated by SCB Groups that work regionally or topically to implement the Society's mission.
Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals, groups, or institutions for distinguished service in any field associated with conservation biology and whose work has furthered the mission of SCB. 2024 SCB Group Distinguished Service Award winners include:
- Helen Newing is recognized by the Social Science Working Group.
- Nyawira Muthiga is recognized by the Marine Global Program.
- Nunia Thomas-Moko is recognized by the Oceania Region for extraordinary contributions to the conservation of Fiji's natural heritage through project implementation, community engagement, public awareness-raising, and contribution to national and intergovernmental conservation initiatives. Nunia also has a strong interest in traditional, sustainable livelihoods, and co-leads several of NatureFiji-MareqetiViti's partnership projects within Fiji that are looking to develop a uniquely "Pacific" community-based approach to conserving island forests, which are home to the majority of the region's threatened birds. Learn more about Nunia Thomas-Moko in the Oceania Region's official announcement.
SCBO President Courtney Melton presented the 2024 Regional Distinguished Service Award to Nunia at the 2024 Hawai'i Conservation Conference.
Early Career Conservationist Award
Alfredo Romero-Muñoz was selected by the Europe Region for the 2024 Early Career Conservationist Award. The Early Career Conservationist Award honors achievements in conservation by professionals early in their careers.
Edward T. LaRoe III Memorial Award
The SCB North America Region selected Dr. Carol Dawson for the Edward T. LaRoe III Memorial Award for promoting conservation at the regional and national level and being instrumental in establishing long-term monitoring of rare plant species. Dr. Dawson has contributed to not only improved land management decisions but also to improved policy, including how science is used in making policy decisions and to prioritize using sound data to support management and policy decisions. The award is given to an individual who has been a leader in translating principles of conservation biology into real-world conservation. The intention of the award is to recognize the innovative application of science to resource management and policy. Learn more about Dr. Carol Dawson in the North America Region's official announcement.
In the words of SCB North America President, Dr. Rebecca Hufft: "...I am thrilled to present Dr. Carol Dawson the 2024 LaRoe Award for her dedication to supporting science-driven management policies to conserve plant biodiversity through her leadership in the US Bureau of Land Management."
Young Women in Conservation Biology Award
The Society's Africa Region selected Florence Aghomo for the Young Women in Conservation Biology Award. The award recognizes the achievements of young women in Africa who advance the discipline of conservation biology on the continent.