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WBArt.9 Award

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of its founding, the World Biodiversity Association (WBA) has established the “WBArt.9 – For Biodiversity” Award to honor individuals committed to the protection of biodiversity. The award is presented to people who have distinguished themselves through activities aimed at the study, dissemination, and safeguarding of biodiversity, whether within organizations, institutions, or as independent contributors.

 

 

World Biodiversity Association onlus

WBA is a group of naturalists, botanists, zoologists, and simple nature lovers involved in studying and conserving the biodiversity hot-spots in Italy and around the world.

The main mission of the Association is to survey biodiversity, assess its conservation status and threats through scientific research. Another fundamental goal is to promote awareness of the meaning and value of biodiversity. Another fundamental goal is to promote awareness of the meaning and value of biodiversity. WBA pursues these missions through concrete actions such as research activities, educational programs, conferences, and seminars—but above all, through a widespread educational effort, especially aimed at young people, to foster the discovery and active conservation of plant and animal species on our planet, and to encourage respect for the natural balance of all ecosystems, including agricultural and urban environments.

The value of biodiversity

The concept of biodiversity was inserted into the Constitution of the Italian Republic on 8 February 2022, modifying articles 9 (one of the fundamental principles) and 41, which today read as follows:

 

Article 9:  “The Republic promotes the development of culture and scientific and technical research. It protects the landscape and the historical and artistic heritage of the nation. It protects the environment, biodiversity and ecosystems, also in the interests of future generations. State law regulates the ways and forms of animal protection.”

Article 41: ““Private economic initiative is free. It cannot take place in conflict with social utility or in a way that causes damage to safety, freedom, human dignity, health, the environment. The law determines the appropriate programs and controls so that public and private economic activity can be directed and coordinated for social and environmental objectives”.

 

Protecting biodiversity is therefore a constitutional dictate, which every citizen and every institution must have as a fundamental principle of their daily actions. 

The aim of the award

Many citizens are focused on safeguarding biodiversity, some of them deserve explicit recognition for their commitment, both professional and voluntary, within organizations and institutions or as individuals. The World Biodiversity Association has established the “WBArt.9 – For Biodiversity” Award to recognize citizens committed to the protection and conservation of biodiversity, and to make them examples and mentors for others. 

The award and the assignment

The Award consists of an original work of symbolic and artistic value and the lifetime recognition of “honorary member” of WBA. Each winner will also have the opportunity to receive upon request all available WBA publications, past and future. Each year, the award will be presented to individuals who have distinguished themselves through concrete actions aimed at the study, dissemination, and protection of biodiversity.

 

Travel expenses for the award recipients will be covered by the award organization. During the ceremony, the winners will be introduced with a short video, and the reasons for their selection will be read aloud. Each recipient will be invited to give a presentation on the theme of biodiversity.

 

The three areas for which the award is planned are:

AREA A- SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

This category includes individuals who have contributed through scientific studies, naturalistic research, environmental monitoring, and ecological analysis to expanding scientific knowledge of the territory. Particular emphasis is placed on taxonomic studies, which not only contribute to the inventory of living species on Earth but also play a crucial role in combating global biodiversity loss.

AREA B- DISSEMINATION

This category includes individuals who have made use of today’s communication tools to share with the wider public the extraordinary diversity of life on Earth and the urgent need to preserve it—especially for future generations. Also subject to evaluation are educational and outreach activities related to the ongoing environmental crisis and the imperative to pursue environmental, social, and economic sustainability at both local and global levels.

AREA C- CONCRETE EXPERIENCES OF PROTECTION

This category includes individuals who have initiated projects—at local or international level—focused on the protection of species and/or habitats of particular conservation interest. Biodiversity conservation can also be achieved through initiatives aimed at local communities, raising awareness about sustainable development and the responsible use of natural resources.

The jury

The jury is composed of the current members of the WBA Directing Council, the Honorary Committee (individuals who play a significant supportive role in WBA’s activities and are appointed by the Council), and one representative from each sponsor. The candidates’ CVs, scientific productions, outreach activities, and conservation efforts will be examined in detail by the award jury, which will select the winners based on an internal vote.

 

Voting takes place via an electronic form, compiling a ranking of preferences based on the list of candidates for each category. The voting link is sent by the WBA Secretariat to the jury at the direction of the President.

 

WBArt.9 is not only a recognition, but also an opportunity to build networks, share best practices, and give visibility to exemplary initiatives.