Blue Planet Prize award to Lovejoy at Rio+20

Counterpart International congratulates its Board member

ARLINGTON, Va., June 22, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --  The Blue Planet Prize, one of the most prestigious awards for work in the environment, has been given to ecologist and Counterpart International Board member Dr. Thomas Lovejoy. (www.Counterpart.org)

Dr. Lovejoy received the award at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in Rio de Janeiro for his pioneering work in biodiversity conservation, especially in his research on how human-caused habitat fragmentation causes biodiversity loss.

"I am most honored by the recognition that this prize gives to biodiversity," Dr. Lovejoy said in Rio on June 17. "This is a living planet that nourishes us. It is extraordinarily beautiful and wondrous, and as far as we know without any parallel in the universe."

Dr. Lovejoy, who is the Heinz Center Biodiversity Chair and a fellow at National Geographic, joined Counterpart International's Board of Directors in 2011. (www.Counterpart.org)

Counterpart President & CEO Joan Parker congratulated Dr. Lovejoy on the Blue Planet Prize.

"Tom is a leader in raising awareness of the today's most pressing environmental issues and is active in seeking solutions," Parker says.

Dr. Lovejoy's role on the global nonprofit's Board of Directors has helped to strengthen the organization's technical knowledge in the area of biodiversity and environmental change, which will have a direct impact on the areas where Counterpart is working, Parker says.

The Blue Planet Prize is given annually by Japan's Asahi Glass Foundation to recognize leaders who make a difference in safeguarding biodiversity. This year marks the prize's 20th anniversary.

Dr. Lovejoy has worked in preserving the Amazon rain forest since 1965 and is one of the most renowned tropical biologists. Dr. Lovejoy, who earned a Ph.D. from Yale University, has served on advisory councils in the administrations of Presidents Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Clinton. In 2009 he was appointed Conservation Fellow by the National Geographic Society.

Past Blue Planet Prize laureates include Lester Brown, James Lovelock, David Brower, Paul Ehrlich, Gustave Speth and Conservation International.

"What an extraordinary humbling event to be asked to join such distinguished colleagues," Lovejoy told the audience in Rio. "It's a very special group indeed."

About Counterpart International

Counterpart International is a global development organization that works in partnership to empower people, communities and institutions to drive and sustain their own development. It is currently working in 22 countries.

For nearly 50 years, Counterpart has been working in partnership with communities in need to address complex problems related to economic development, nutrition and health, humanitarian assistance and strengthening civil society.

Learn more at www.Counterpart.org.

Contact: Michael Zamba
703-236-4324
[email protected]

SOURCE Counterpart International