MIDORI Prize 2024 Recognizes Conservation Leaders from Kazakhstan and Peru

The MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity 2024 has been awarded to Vera Voronova from Kazakhstan and Ysabel Agustina Calderón Carlos from Peru for their exemplary contributions to biodiversity conservation and sustainability. Voronova, the executive director of the Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan, has led efforts to restore ecosystems and protect endangered species in Central Asia, benefiting rural communities. Calderón Carlos, founder of Sumak Kawsay in Peru, has been recognized for her work in preventing the decline of pollinators, particularly through her “Bee Honey Route,” which combines honey production with community development and ecosystem restoration.

Contributions to Biodiversity

Voronova’s work has focused on involving rural communities in conservation efforts, improving both ecosystems and livelihoods. Meanwhile, Calderón Carlos has created an innovative approach to supporting local economies, especially for Indigenous women and youth, by combining sustainable tourism and pollinator conservation.

Award Ceremony and Significance

The prize, awarded every two years by the AEON Environmental Foundation and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, includes a $100,000 cash prize and a commemorative plaque. This year’s winners will be honored on October 29, 2024, at COP 16 in Cali, Colombia. Since its inception, the prize has celebrated 19 individuals from 17 countries for their commitment to biodiversity.

Past Winners and Legacy

Notable past recipients include Dr. Paul Hebert for DNA barcoding in biodiversity monitoring (2020), Melina Sakiyama for her work with youth in biodiversity conservation (2020), and Dr. Kathy MacKinnon for her leadership in protecting natural areas (2018). The MIDORI Prize continues to highlight global efforts toward implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity: Key Points

• Established by: AEON Environmental Foundation in collaboration with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
• Purpose: Recognizes individuals for outstanding contributions to biodiversity conservation and sustainability.
• Awarded: Every two years.
• Prize: $100,000 cash prize and a commemorative plaque for each recipient.
• Selection Criteria: Global efforts in biodiversity protection, ecosystem restoration, species recovery, and sustainable community development.

Notable Past Winners

• Dr. Paul Hebert (2020): DNA barcoding for species identification.
• Melina Sakiyama (2020): Involvement of youth in biodiversity.
• Dr. Kathy MacKinnon (2018): Conservation of protected areas.

2024 Recipients

• Vera Voronova (Kazakhstan): Ecosystem restoration and endangered species recovery in Central Asia.
• Ysabel Agustina Calderón Carlos (Peru): Conservation of native stingless bees and community development through honey production.

Next Ceremony: October 29, 2024, at COP 16 in Cali, Colombia.