IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature

IUCN opens call for nominations of the first Harold Jefferson Coolidge Memorial Medal

16 April 2008 | News story

Established four years ago during the third Session of the World Conservation Congress in Thailand, the award will go to a conservation professional with outstanding contributions to conservation of nature and natural resources. The winner will be announced at the upcoming IUCN World Conservation Congress in Barcelona, 5-14 October. The deadline is 30 June 2008. [ Français ¦ Español ]

Anybody can nominate any individual by filling out the appropriate form. Please note that no individuals may nominate themselves and that current staff and officers of IUCN are not eligible. Nominations may be sent, using the attached nomination form, via fax (+41 22 999 00 25), email (coolidgemedal@iucn.org), or mail (Attention: “Coolidge Medal” at the IUCN headquarters’ address).

Nominees shall be individuals who have made internationally significant contributions to effective conservation in one or more of the following ways:

• inspiration and support to individuals enabling them to become leading conservationists.
• exceptional contribution to the establishment of conservation institutions, or expanding the scope of exisiting ones.
• creation or implementation of international conservation initiatives.

The selection will be made by the 2008 award jury, consisting of conservation leaders and Council Members, reflecting the geographical diversity of IUCN and familiar with the conservation ideals of Harold Jefferson Coolidge.

Late Harold Jefferson Coolidge, born in Boston in 1904, was one of the founders of IUCN, a former president of the Union and its principal fundraiser from 1948 to the 1980s. He founded and chaired the Species Survival and National Parks Commission of IUCN, and was the first to bring women scientists into international conservation research. He influenced the lives of many students and professionals wishing to achieve the goals of conservation and environment protection. The Harold Jefferson Coolidge Memorial medal honoring those who generously gave of their time, expertise and resources to help establish the Union in 1948, will be awarded at each World Conservation Congress to a conservation activist, who, just like Dr Coolidge, never takes no for an answer.