Leader In Inclusive Sustainable Development Applauded By WWF

The 2016 Duke of Edinburgh Conservation Award has been given to Irina Bokova by the WWF for her significant contributions to conservation.

Throughout her distinguished career of service to the international community, Bokova has been a consistent and steadfast champion of environmental conservation, responsible business conduct, indigenous and women’s rights, climate action, and advancing sustainable development for poverty alleviation. As UNESCO Director General, Bokova has bolstered the agency’s efforts to conserve some of the most unique and inspirational natural ecosystems upon which the well-being of humanity depends.

All life on Earth depends on a healthy planet. Healthy natural World Heritage sites contribute to poverty reduction, help alleviate food insecurity, combat climate change, and restore and promote the sustainable use of ecosystems. Bokova has championed the protection of these sites and the importance of investing in their future to achieve the sustainable agenda and improve livelihoods.

Irina leads the way and shows us that protecting natural areas and ecosystems is not anti-development and that it’s long-term

Yolanda Kakabadse, President of WWF International said:

“Irina leads the way and shows us that protecting natural areas and ecosystems is not anti-development and that it’s long-term, robust and sustainable development that benefits people and natural systems. We are not going to develop a just and prosperous future, nor defeat poverty and improve health, in a weakened or destroyed natural environment,”

Upon receiving the award Irina Bokova said:

“I am delighted to receive this award. Natural heritage is a force for peace and it is also a driver of development and innovation. Conservation of our environment helps create jobs, promote gender equality, and eradicates poverty.”

“There is no need to choose between heritage and growth, between beautiful landscapes and decent livelihoods – with the right skills and stronger capacities, we can harness the potential of heritage to create millions of jobs, giving also a sense of dignity, inclusion and pride. By protecting natural resources, rivers and parks, we can unleash extraordinary renewable energy source for all,”

Bokova has been the Director-General of UNESCO since 2009. She is the first woman and the first Eastern European to lead the organization. Earlier in her career she held many offices in the Government of Bulgaria, including as a member of the Bulgarian Delegation at the United Nations conferences on the equality of women in Copenhagen, Nairobi and Beijing. As Member of Parliament in the nineties and in early two thousand, she advocated for Bulgaria’s membership in EU and NATO and also participated in the drafting of Bulgaria’s new Constitution.

The Duke of Edinburgh Conservation Award was created in 1970 and is presented annually by WWF for outstanding service to the environment. This year’s award was presented by The Duke of Edinburgh during a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London.