Are you a conservationist? Or do you know a conservationist who is just as passionate about the environment as the Belize Audubon Society? They are currently accepting nominees for their annual James A Waight Award, which recognizes individuals who have made significant conservation contributions towards Belize and the environment. Jomarie Lanza spoke with their communications director today who shared more about the award they have been giving out for almost 4 decades.
The Belize Audubon Society has sent out its call for nominees for the 38th James A Waight award, which seeks to highlight persons and/or organizations that continue to make a difference in the conservation of the environment. Their communications director told us more about the award, which is named after The Audobon Society's first president
Dareece Chuc, Audubon Society, Communications Director
"As you know we manage protected areas across the country and we have a strong presence in those communities and the country in general promoting environmental conservation and of course the communication aspect of the work that we do is, of course getting the message out to the general public about the work that we do here in Belize in conservation and protected areas management."
"So the James A Waight award is presented annually to a deserving Belizean or organization doing work in the field of conservation here in Belize, the work can be at a local scale or having national impact. Of course, we are looking for those individuals or organizations who are using innovative, and non-traditional aspects to their work and as I mentioned before the award is given in honor of Belize Audubon Society's first president, I'm founding member."
Once the nominations are in, it takes a week for the committee, comprised of former awardees and board members, to examine the name submitted, and most importantly decide why this person should be recognized for their conservation efforts.
Dareece Chuc, Audubon Society, Communications Director
"So every year around this time we put out a call for nominations; anybody can nominate a person or organization for the award. All you need to do is to download our nomination form from our Facebook page or you can contact us here at the office through email, communications.Belize.Audubon.org. Ask for a nomination form and of course we want to encourage you once you're nominating someone is to provide enough evidence, showing how that person is deserving of this award."
"Actually this year in February we announced the winner Ms, Celia Mahung. She is the former executive Director of the Toledo Institute for Development and the environment,so Ms Celia is well known for her conservation work in southern Belize and of course impacting the entire country. Past awardees include our senator, Ms Janelle Chanona, Mr Phillip Balderamos who is well known in the birding Community and so every year we are excited when the nominations come in to view all the people who are nominated for this award, and we are always happy to see that in different pockets across the country we have good people doing genuine work when it comes to conservation and protecting our environment."
The deadline for submissions is December 15th, 2023 at 5:00 pm
The winner of the 38th James A Waight award will be announced on February 16th 2024.
