19th edition Biodiversity Conservation Awards

Biodiversity conservation is a priority focus area for the BBVA Foundation, which promotes not only efforts to advance scientific understanding of the natural environment but also direct action on the ground pursuing its increased protection. It is these practical successes that are addressed by the Biodiversity Conservation Awards, distinguishing people and institutions that have mobilized scientific knowledge to inform action – achieving significant, measurable and lasting results – or influence public opinion.

Established in 2004, these annual awards are divided into four categories. The first three recognize particularly significant actions for the conservation and protection of habitats, species or ecosystems in Spain, Latin America and any country in the world respectively. The fourth category recognizes the Spanish-language dissemination of environmental knowledge to society at large and the building of social awareness on the importance of nature conservation, and is made up of two awards: one specific to audiovisual media and the other for remaining formats.

In their opening editions, the awards included a category for world-class scientific research in ecology and conservation biology. In 2008, however, this research modality was integrated within the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Awards, taking its place alongside other scientific and artistic disciplines such as basic sciences, biology and biomedicine, information and communication technologies, and music. The BBVA Foundation accordingly recognizes the contributions of those striving to protect our planet’s natural heritage across the spectrum of activities from research through to projects and communication.

The awards for actions in Spain, Latin America and worldwide come with a cash prize of 250,000 euros each, while each of the two awards in the communication category are funded with 80,000 euros, giving a combined amount that is among the largest of any international prize scheme in the realm of the environment. These funds have allowed the winning individuals and organizations to continue or, at times, expand their programs and projects in defense of biodiversity, enabling them to plan ahead and introduce innovations and upgrades, building on their already solid records of achievement.

We stand at a historic crossroads, facing the risk that environmental degradation and the “sixth mass extinction” could threaten the habitability of our planet. In light of such challenges, these awards serve not only as a window for society to learn about laureates’ work in furthering biodiversity conservation, but also as a motivational and development lever for their subsequent endeavors, facilitating an effort that is vital to confront the environmental challenges of our time.