IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature

Professor Harry Messel is the former long-standing Chair of the SSC Crocodile Specialist Group. The award, established in 2004 in his name, recognizes exemplary service to the SSC, especially from individuals who have made a specific contribution to species conservation on the ground or through their leadership, as part of the work of an SSC Specialist Group or Task Force.
 

Award: a certificate recognizing the contribution, and a financial award of US$1,000, presented in a context important to the individual recipient.
 

Recipients:

October 2008
Craig Hilton-Taylor, in recognition of his conscientious management of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™, his outstanding guardianship over the standards of the IUCN Red List process and his unstinting support to the contributing members of the IUCN SSC.
Dr Danna Leaman, IUCN/SSC Plant Conservation Sub-Committee, in recognition of her inspirational role in the development of the International Standard for Sustainable Wild Collection of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (ISSC-MAP) and for ably assisting the work of the Plant Conservation Sub-Committee.
Dr Brooks Childress, Chair of the IUCN/SSC Flamingo Specialist Group, in recognition of his active engagement in the challenges facing the Lesser Flamingo at Lake Natron, measurably demonstrating the power of the “One Programme” approach.

May 2006
Robin Sharp, Chair of the European Chapter of the SSC Sustainable Use Specialist Group was awarded in recognition of his extensive contribution to the SSC’s work on sustainable use. He has chaired the European Regional Group since its foundation in 1997, and it now has 140 members in 40 countries.
 

November 2004
Dr Perran Ross, SSC Crocodile Specialist Group. Dr Ross was given this award in recognition of his dynamism and dedication in creating one of the most active and successful Specialist Groups, and helping to secure the sustainable use of crocodilians.
November 2004 - Youth Section
Ms Patricia Medici, Chair of the SSC Tapir Specialist Group, one of the network's most energetic and enthusiastic members was awarded for her tireless efforts in generating sustainable conservation action for the world's tapirs.