The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) conferred seven environmentalists and wildlife experts in the country on Thursday with Earth Hero and other distinguished awards in recognition for their contributions in wildlife and forest conservation. The focus of 2013 was green corridors, highlighting the importance of these crucial links connecting wildlife habitats in the country.
The coveted RBS 'Earth Hero' Award was given to JJ Dutta for his timeless efforts in securing wildlife in Madhya Pradesh for decades. The State largely earned the epithet of "tiger State" following his services. The RBS Earth Guardian Award was presented jointly to Similipal Tiger Reserve and The Indian Coast Guard Region (West). Field Director Anup Nayak was honoured on the occasion for the efforts of the park management in protecting and conserving the biodiversity of the region despite severe challenges and constraints after extremist attack that had demoralised the staff due to limited support and inadequate infrastructure at the park.
Indian Coast Guards on the other hand was recognised for conservation of marine wildlife and ecosystem, protection of coastal environment including sensitive mangroves, conservation of human life and property at sea and massive environmental campaign awareness building in coastal villages.
Eminent tiger conservationist DV Girish was bestowed with RBS Protect the Tiger award for his work in the ecologically important Bhadra-Kudremukh landscape. Girish received a certificate of appreciation in 1998 from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in New York.
The RBS Inspire Award was presented to Nirmal Kulkarni and his team for their contribution in conserving the Bhimgad forests in Karnataka. Their efforts ultimately led to the creation of Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary.
The RBS Green Warrior Awards was shared by, Jigmet Takpa, Indian Forest Service Officer in the Forest and Wildlife department of ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir and. Jadav Payeng, Environmental Activist and Forestry Worker, Jorhat and Assam.