The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) is launching an annual award for nature conservation work undertaken by an individual, or group of individuals from an Overseas Territory or Crown Dependency, who have made a valuable contribution to nature conservation in their area. It is known as the ‘Blue Turtle Award’.
The work or project should have been in place for over a year, demonstrate innovation and have made a real difference. In addition to a trophy, the Award will give £500 to the individual or the group, and an additional £1,000 contribution to an Overseas Territory or Crown Dependency nature conservation project of their choice.
There are many examples of incredible work being done to conserve biodiversity in the Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies by the local populations. Most of this work is carried out without any blaze of publicity to show others what is possible. Government nature conservation advisers JNCC want to help address this.
Marcus Yeo, Managing Director of JNCC, said: “The Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies have an incredibly rich variety of plants and animals, but in some cases urgent action is needed to ensure their continued survival. Most of this action is undertaken by local people. We have been amazed at some of the innovation and best practice which can be found, most done with small numbers of people and boundless enthusiasm. We hope this Award will go some way to acknowledging and rewarding their efforts, in the hope that others will be inspired by their successes.”
Nominations are invited from governments, non-governmental organisations, the voluntary sector, the private sector and individuals, and should be submitted no later than 31 October 2009. The award winner will be invited to the UK for an award presentation ceremony.
Tara Pelembe, JNCC’s Overseas Territories Officer, commented: “We encourage everyone to think of projects and actions that deserve a wider audience and acknowledgement. We hope the Award will celebrate the great work that is happening, and act as a catalyst to stimulate new nature conservation initiatives.”
The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) is the statutory adviser to Government on UK and international nature conservation, on behalf of the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside, the Countryside Council for Wales, Natural England and Scottish Natural Heritage. Its work contributes to maintaining and enriching biological diversity, conserving geological features and sustaining natural systems.
- One of JNCC’s priorities is to provide advice on the conservation of biodiversity in the UK’s Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies.
- The awards will be presented based on the following criteria:
• Nature conservation benefit/added value;
• Innovation;
• Community involvement;
• Linked to a specific project OR demonstrating long-term commitment and dedication.
Any individual, or group of individuals (including governments) from and working on an Overseas Territory or Crown Dependency, can be nominated.
Nominations can be made by filling out a nomination form at www.jncc.gov.uk/page-5002. Guidance is included within the form. Forms can be filled out online or by downloading a MS Word file.
For questions about the award please contact tara.pelembe@jncc.gov.uk (Overseas Territories Officer). All emailed nomination forms should be submitted to communications@jncc.gov.uk (JNCC Communications Team) no later than 31 October 2009.
For further information please contact the JNCC Press Office on 01733 866839, or email communications@jncc.gov.uk. | 
