Heroes Honored at 52nd Chevron Conservation Awards

Search Blogs that Mention this News Release
Click this link to view linked Bookmarking Services
Click this link to view linked Blogging Services
Heroes Honored at 52nd Chevron Conservation Awards
 International Awards Program Recognizes Conservationists Meeting Economic
                          and Environmental Needs

    SAN RAMON, Calif., Oct. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Conservationists
protecting oceans, rivers and waterlands, a former president of the
Wildlife Habitat Council, an ornithologist protecting the Asian hornbill
bird, and a non profit organization helping to improve the environment for
disadvantaged communities in South Africa, were all honored at the 52nd
Chevron Conservation Awards.
    "Around the world, conservationists are finding practical solutions
that provide both economic and environmental benefit. By recognizing their
achievements, we aim to inspire others," said Rhonda Zygocki, Chevron's
vice president of Health, Environment and Safety. "Chevron's commitment to
building productive partnerships is shared by this year's Conservation
Awards honorees, who have demonstrated the ability of working effectively
with diverse organizations to meet environmental challenges."
    Founded by the late outdoors writer and conservationist Ed Zern in 1954
to recognize outstanding contributions to the conservation of natural
resources, the international program has honored more than 1,000
volunteers, conservation professionals and non profit organizations around
the world. This year's six Chevron Conservation Award honorees are:
    * Iain Kerr, Massachusetts: CEO of Ocean Alliance, a research
organization dedicated to the study of whales and the conservation of
oceans. Kerr is credited with the success of the Voyage of the Odyssey, the
first-ever global expedition dedicated to collecting baseline data on ocean
contaminant levels worldwide.
    * William W. Howard, Maryland: When Howard passed away earlier this
year, the conservation world lost one of its rare leaders. For more than 30
years, he dedicated his life to habitat protection. Since 1996, Howard
served as president of the Wildlife Habitat Council, a non profit
organization focusing on natural resource improvements on corporate,
private and public lands.
    * California Trout, California: California Trout's mission is to
"protect and restore wild trout and steelhead waters throughout
California," and they have been doing just that for 35 years. With 11
native species, California hosts the greatest diversity of trout in the
United States. The trout are vital indicators of the health of California's
rivers and streams -- the essential sources of water for the state's
thriving economy, vibrant population and spectacular environment.
    * Edward Wytovich, Pennsylvania: Edward is a lifelong conservationist
who has contributed to the restoration of waterlands and natural habitats.
This year, Edward celebrated the completion of the largest water lands
restoration project in the state.
    * Jeunesse Park, South Africa: Jeunesse founded Food and Trees for
Africa, a non profit organization dedicated to improving the environment in
disadvantaged South African communities. Since 1990, the organization has
planted more than 2.3 million trees, helped set up more than 1,300 organic
food gardens in urban and rural communities, and turned dumpsites into
parks.
    * Dr. Pilai Poonswad, Thailand: In 1994, Dr. Poonswad established the
Hornbill Research Foundation to combat the poaching of hornbill chicks and
raise awareness of the bird's role in the forests of Thailand. Dr.
Poonswad's efforts to protect the hornbill's natural habitat have helped
reverse the decline of the species.
    Chevron Conservation Awards honorees each receive a $15,000
contribution toward their respective conservation efforts. The annual
awards, which are open to nominations from anyone in the world, are judged
by an independent panel of conservationists. Information on the Chevron
Conservation Awards program is available at
http://www.chevron.com/conservationawards/.
    Chevron Corporation is one of the world's leading energy companies.
With more than 53,000 employees, Chevron subsidiaries conduct business in
approximately 180 countries around the world, producing and transporting
crude oil and natural gas, and refining, marketing and distributing fuels
and other energy products. Chevron is based in San Ramon, Calif. More
information on Chevron is available at http://www.chevron.com.
SOURCE Chevron
http://www.chevron.com
CONTACT:
Alex Yelland of Chevron, +1-925-842-0456