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December 2, 2011: A scientist who has walked with snow leopards and giant pandas, an earth hero who has survived an attack by a tiger, a field biologist who walks, talks and studies frogs and an administrator whose heart beats for wildlife – these are just some of the fascinating people being honoured at the 12th Sanctuary Wildlife Awards, 2011, supported by DSP BlackRock and Deutsche Bank.
The awards were constituted to recognise the best-in-the-field of wildlife conservation and to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes who are defending the wildernesses and thus the food and water security of the Indian subcontinent. The awardees are nominated by Sanctuary Asia readers and supporters from across the country.
Speaking about the awards, Hemendra Kothari, Chairman, DSP BlackRock said: “We at DSP BlackRock strongly advocate the conservation of our natural resources and believe that protecting natural India is the best way to sustain & strengthen our nation's economic foundation, which cannot thrive as long as there is water, food and climate insecurity. We support and share Sanctuary Asia's mission to keep our wildlife and our forests, rivers, wetlands, coasts and mountains secure for future generations. The earth heroes that we will be honouring are motivated from within. We are proud to honour them and by recognising and supporting them, we hope to be the wind under their wings as they doggedly continue their remarkable work.”
Gunit Chadha, CEO, Deutsche Bank, India said: “Deutsche Bank is committed to adding its strength to the global movement to protect our threatened biodiversity and to counter the onward march of climate change. We believe that investing in environment and renewables, phasing out carbon energy and protecting ecosystems amounts to good long-term economics. This is why we have partnered with Sanctuary Asia to launch the GreenKarbon initiative; this is why we will continue to support the brave men and women whose lives are dedicated to the proposition that protecting wild nature is in the best interests of human societies everywhere.”
Bittu Sahgal, Editor, Sanctuary Asia added: “Sanctuary Asia has consistently sought to network and unite different segments of society believing that nature conservation is the surest way to secure the food, water, climate and economic security of India's billion-plus population. For us the tiger, elephant, rhino and lion are metaphors for an ecologically-secure planet and within us exists an unstoppable drive to safeguard this natural heritage for our children and their children. We are heartened to see such strong support come our way from both DSP BlackRock and Deutsche Bank with whom we are engaged in an ambitious conflict-resolution exercise that aims to build bridges to narrow the current divergence between those who ask for environmental protection and those seeking a faster pace of economic growth.”
The categories of the 2011 Sanctuary Wildlife Awards consist of one Lifetime Service Award, five Wildlife Service Awards, one Green Teacher Award, three Young Naturalists Awards and a 'Wind Under the Wings' Award for an organisation that has supported one or more of its employees to be of service to nature.
The Lifetime Service Award has been conferred upon Dr. George Schaller, a U.S. citizen who is one of the world’s most respected scientists, and whose pathbreaking research on the Indian tiger in the Kanha National Park has become the gold standard for field biology across the world.
Five Wildlife Service Awards have been presented to diverse individuals for their contributions to wildlife protection. The awardees are:
Shekar Dattatri: He has successfully used film to spotlight the issue of our disappearing wildlife and habitats.
Dr. S.D. Biju: One of India’s finest field biologists, his mission has resulted in the discovery of several amphibian species, including many in the Western Ghats.
Gerry Martin: Founder and Director of the Gerry Martin Project, his mission now is to help urban dwellers connect with wildlife issues far removed from their daily life.
Daulat Singh Shaktawat: Committed Range Forest Officer of the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, he survived tiger and leopard attacks over the years but continues to work to protect the big cats.
P. Suresha: Chief Administrative Officer at Namma Sangha, his work has significantly improved the relationship of people with the Bandipur National Park, next to which they live.
The Wind Under the Wings Award: The Maharashtra Government for enabling and encouraging Praveen Pardeshi, Principal Secretary (Forests) to reinvigorate wildlife conservation in Maharashtra.
The Young Naturalist Awards go to Ramnath Chandrashekhar (Award-winning wildlife photographer and activist), Aishwarya Sridhar (Writer, poet and passionate conservationist) and Tengbat Sangma (skilled tracker, naturalist and budding field biologist).
A Joint Green Teacher Award is being presented to Pournima and Rajendra Kerkar. Educators, conservationists and social workers working to protect wilderness areas in Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
About Deutsche Bank:
Deutsche Bank is a leading global investment bank with a strong private clients franchise. A leader in Germany and Europe, the bank is continuously growing in North America, Asia and key emerging markets. With more than 100,000 employees in 74 countries, Deutsche Bank offers unparalleled financial services throughout the world. The bank competes to be the leading global provider of financial solutions, creating lasting value for its clients, shareholders, people and the communities in which it operates.
About DSP BlackRock:
DSP BlackRock Investment Managers is one of the premier asset management companies in India. It is a joint venture between the DSP Group and BlackRock.
The DSP Group, headed by Mr. Hemendra Kothari, is one of the oldest financial services firms in India. It has a track record of over 145 years and was one of the founding members of the Bombay Stock Exchange. BlackRock is the largest listed asset management company in the world. It is a premier provider of investment solutions through a variety of product structures, including individual and institutional separate accounts, mutual funds and other pooled investment vehicles, and the industry-leading iShares® ETFs to investors around the world. BlackRock is a truly global firm that combines the benefits of worldwide reach with local service and relationships. It has a deep presence in every major capital market in the world, which results in greater insights into increasingly interconnected financial markets. Managing assets for investors in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Africa, the firm today employs more than 9,300 talented professionals and maintains offices in 26 countries around the world. BlackRock’s investor base includes corporate, public, union and industry pension plans; governments; insurance companies; third-party mutual funds; endowments; foundations; charities; corporations; official institutions; sovereign wealth funds; banks; financial professionals; and individuals worldwide.
The story of the DSP Group and BlackRock has always been one of evolution. Since our formative years as distinct organizations, we have always looked for ways to enhance our ability to serve investors. Not only have we sought to broaden and deepen our capabilities, but also capitalized on the key macro trends that are shaping the future. The foundation of our business lies in our belief that our investors’ needs are of paramount importance and that our sole business is managing assets on their behalf. Our commitment to investment excellence is anchored in a shared culture that always places the interests of investors first, from individuals to institutions. We believe in always acting as a fiduciary for our investors and our steadfast integrity has helped us earn their long-term trust.
About Sanctuary Asia:
Sanctuary Asia is a virtual junction for wildlife conservation news and campaigns across India. The magazine was launched in 1981 and has been edited since by Bittu Sahgal, who is one of the strongest voices for biodiversity protection, climate change action in India. |
