Field Museum's Parker/Gentry Award goes to Peruvian conser...( CHICAGO The seventh annual Parker/Gent...)

Their tireless efforts on behalf of these two regions culminated in

• the protection of the last large, intact tract of lower montane forest in Peru through the creation of the Parque Nacional Cordillera Azul, and
• the establishment of Peru's first conservation concession in the lower Los Amigos watershed of the densely forested Madre de Dios department.

The award recipients are:

• Carlos Amat y Len, professor at Universidad del Pacfico;
• Lily Rodrguez, director, Cordillera Azul National Park Projects, Centro de Conservacin, Investigacin y Manejo de reas Naturales-Cordillera Azul;
• Luca Ruiz, general counsel, Instituto Nacional de Recursos Naturales;
• Gustavo Surez de Freitas, general director of protected areas, Instituto Nacional de Recursos Naturales; and
• Enrique Toledo, forestry consultant.

"This team's commitment and dedication to protecting Peru's remarkable ecosystems and incredible biodiversity through innovative means exemplifies the spirit and objectives of The Field Museum's Parker/Gentry award," says Debbie Moskovits, director of The Field Museum's Environmental Conservation Programs.

Established in 1996 by an anonymous donor, the Parker/Gentry Award honors outstanding conservation biologists who have made a significant impact on preserving the world's natural heritage, and whose actions and approach can serve as a model to others. The Founders' Council of The Field Museum presents the award, this year at a reception Sept. 5.

Cordillera Azul
On May 22, 2001, Peru's president, Valentn Paniagua, decreed a 5,225-square-mile national park, thereby protecting a pristine area of Andean rain
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Contact: Greg Borzo
gborzo@fieldmuseum.org
312-665-7106
Field Museum
23-Aug-2002