He also has served as President of the International Environmental Assessment Association and was instrumental in establishing the International Society for Ecological Economics. This award recognizes his extraordinary contributions to biodiversity conservation through tireless efforts to promote sound environmental policies and practices within The World Bank and its borrowing countries. Education and Journalism Gary Paul Nabhan Gary Nabhan, Director of Conservation and Science at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, has been one of the most eloquent and articulate scientists of the last decade regarding the importance of conserving traditional plant varieties, traditional knowledge, wild ecosystems, and plants and their pollinators as part of long-term ecological survival of diverse habitats. This award recognizes Nabhan's contributions to conservation and to the public appreciation of biodiversity and cultural diversity through his research and unparalleled achievements as a storyteller. The Edward T. LaRoe III Memorial Award is given annually to a individual who has been a leader in translating principles of conservation biology into real-world conservation.
Preference is given to individuals who have spent at least part of their career in public service.
The recipient of the 2000 LaRoe award, which will be presented at the annual meeting, is Philip Pister. The award especially recognizes Pister's legendary efforts to conserve endangered desert fishes. 2001 Center for Conservation Biology Network.