Pinoy conservationist wins ‘Green Oscars’ for ‘Jail birds’ project

A Filipino conservationist who worked to save the critically endangered Philippine cockatoo (Katala) has won the prestigious Whitley Award, considered as the “Green Oscars” given by a UK-based organization to outstanding grassroots leaders in nature conservation in the developing world.

The awardee, Indira LacernaWidmann, who had worked with local prisoners in Iwahig Prison in Palawan to safeguard the Philippine cockatoo, received the award from Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, The Princess Royal of the United Kingdom, at a ceremony held recently in the Royal Geographical Society in London.

Lacerna-Widmann was recognized for her “Jail birds” project under the Katala Foundation, which she cofounded. The foundation also developed and implemented strategies that enable children and city-dwellers to learn new skills in protecting Philippine cockatoos since 1998.

The Filipino conservation leader is one of six individuals to have been awarded a share of the prize money worth £210,000 (113.5 million) She received the international nature conservation prize with £35,000 (12.2 million) in project funding donated by Notting Hill Preparatory School.

The Whitley Awards have been presented annually since 1994. In addition to the financial benefit of winning the awards, winners also receive professional training to help them communicate effectively with the public and effect positive change in their respective communities. (Roy C. Mabasa)