2006 SCB Awards

The Edward T. LaRoe III Memorial Award is given annually to an individual who has been a leader in translating principles of conservation biology into real-world conservation. Preference is given to individuals who have spent at least part of their career in public service.

Stuart Pimm, the Doris Duke Chair of Conservation Ecology at Duke University, has emerged as a strong scientific voice on the loss of biological diversity and the management of endangered species and ecosystems. Stuart's research revolutionized the way in which ecologists view ecological change in the long term, over large scales, and across many species. During the 1980s, he spent much time in Hawaii and elsewhere in the Pacific, drawing attention to non-native species and subsequently leading the team that first returned the Guam Rail to the wild. Stuart also is an able, aggressive advocate for maintaining a strong Endangered Species Act in the United States. In 1995, for example, he was among the fourteen eminent scientists who defeated the wise use movement’s attempt to weaken protection for endangered species habitat before the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition, Stuart led the charge to strengthen the scientific basis for restoration of the Everglades by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Along with profound understanding, Stuart cares enough to do what so many of his colleagues wish they could find a way to do.

Every year SCB presents its Distinguished Service Awards for outstanding contributions to conservation biology. Recipients are nominated by the SCB membership through the Awards Committee and are selected by the Board of Governors.

Leadership in conservation biology research and education defines Javier Simonetti. Javier is an accomplished researcher and educator, as well as a communicator of science and skilled practitioner. He has been active in the field for well over 20 years, during which his activities have flourished and diversified. Javier's research encompasses landscape and disturbance ecology, fragmentation effects, invasive species, plant-animal interactions, and conservation genetics. He is active in teaching and training in his native Chile and throughout Latin America, and his research frequently has been incorporated into policy.

Dee Boersma's outstanding research on seabirds, especially penguins, has enabled her to address conservation issues in the South Atlantic, train young Argentine biologists, and serve as a role model for women. She has served numerous organizations including the Wildlife Conservation Society, Conservation International, the Peregrine Fund, the International Union for Biological Science, the Washington Environmental Council, and many more. As President of SCB, Dee initiated activities that lie at the foundation of SCB's current health: a strategic planning process, the publication Conservation In Practice, a comprehensive analysis of endangered species recovery plans, and a book on research priorities.

Born in Quito, Ecuador, Yolanda Kakabadse is one of the world's most distinguished conservationists. In 1979, she was appointed Executive Director of Fundación Natura in Quito, which she helped transform into one of Latin America’s leading NGOs. From 1990 to 1992, she coordinated the participation of civil society at the United Nations Conference for Environment and Development (Earth Summit). In 1993 Yolanda founded Fundación Futuro Latinoamericano, of which she is now the Executive President. From 1998 until 2000 she served as Minister of Environment for the Republic of Ecuador. In 1996, Yolanda was elected President of the World Conservation Union (IUCN).

Few organizations in India practice conservation with the scientific rigor, focus, and imagination that the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) uses to affect sustainable conservation. NCF's small, young, but very effective team has already provided new ideas or challenged existing ideas to ensure the growth of conservation thought. Their work has resulted in discovery of new species and is resulting in the restoration of many habitats using a combination of science and outreach that is presently unsurpassed in the region. NCF's vision is now leading to the addition of mature scientists to the region's workforce of conservation biologists.

Mark Burgman of The University of Melbourne has made outstanding contributions to the analysis of problems and practical management in conservation biology through his unique perspective of incorporating risk and uncertainty in the development of management options for conservation. His contributions to conservation biology extend from population viability analysis and risk management to general quantitative modeling approaches to conservation biology.