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Kerstin Forsberg, a 28-year-old marine conservation biologist and campaigner based in Peru, has been awarded the WWF International President’s Award 2013 at a special ceremony during global conservation organization WWF’s Annual Conference on June 11, 2013.

As Founder and Director of the non-profit organization “Planeta Océano,” established in  2007, Kerstin leads community-based marine research, environmental education and participatory sustainable development initiatives in Peru.

"Prior to this she has been a prolific volunteer with many ocean conservation and green educational groups across the country.

“I am delighted to present this year’s WWF International President’s Award to Kerstin Forsberg, and I commend her warmly for her energy and dedication to saving our seas and rallying others to the cause. She is an inspiration to us all,” said Yolanda Kakabadse, WWF International President.

“This Award shines a light on brilliant young people who are working hard to protect the natural world. We desperately need young leaders and pioneers joining the nature conservation movement and sharing their passion and skills – and Kerstin is an excellent example,” said Kakabadse.

The annual WWF International President’s Award acknowledges and encourages outstanding achievements of young people under the age of 30 who are making strong and compelling contributions to nature conservation.

Nominations are invited via WWF offices around the world.

Dr Sergi Tudela, Head of Fisheries at WWF Mediterranean,: receives the WWF Award for Conservation Merit: from Jim Leape, WWF International Director General, and Yolanda Kakabadse, WWF International President. © WWF-Canon / Richard Stonehouse

Other awards presented during this year’s WWF Annual Conference include the WWF Award for Conservation Merit, going to Dr Sergi Tudela, Head of Fisheries at WWF Mediterranean, and the “Co-management Committee for the Management Plan of the Artisanal Sandeel Seine in Catalonia”.

Roger Sant of the US was made a WWF Member of Honour, and the posthumous WWF International Roll of Honour this year commemorates  Russell E. Train, a leading conservation pioneer and founder of WWF-US.

Mauricio Pulido Cazorro, Catalan artisanal fisherman, and Josep Maria Pelegri Aixut, Catalan Fisheries Minister: receive the WWF Award for Conservation Merit from Jim Leape, WWF International Director General, and Yolanda Kakabadse, WWF International President. Photograph courtesy of WWf © WWF-Canon / Richard Stonehouse

Dr Thomas Lovejoy receives the WWF Leader of a Living Planet Award from Jim Leape: WWF: International Director General, and Yolanda Kakabadse, WWF International President. Dr. Lovejoy is a member of the Horizon International Scientific Review Board. © WWF-Canon / Richard Stonehouse

Dr Trudy Ecoffey and Dr Thomas Lovejoy received the WWF Leader of a Living Planet awards, and the WWF Staff Award for Outstanding Achievement goes to Ginette Hemley, Senior Vice President for Conservation Strategy and Science at WWF-US. 

 John and Virginia Sall receive the WWF Gold Panda Award from Jim Leape,: WWF International Director General, and Yolanda Kakabadse, WWF International President. © WWF-Canon / Richard Stonehouse

The WWF Gold Panda Awards, recognizing significant generosity in supporting WWF, have been awarded to Edward P. Bass, John & Virginia Sall and SAS Institute, Inc., Adrienne & John Mars and MarsIncorporated, and Muhtar A. Kent and The Coca-Cola Company.

Adrienne Mars receives the WWF Gold Panda Award from Jim Leape,: WWF International Director General: and Yolanda Kakabadse, WWF International President. © WWF-Canon / Richard Stonehouse

Bea Perez and Jeff Seabright of The Coca-Cola Company receive the WWF Gold Panda Award: from Jim Leape, WWF International Director General, and Yolanda Kakabadse, WWF International President. © WWF-Canon / Richard Stonehouse

Ginette Hemley of WWF-US receives the WWF Staff Award for Outstanding Achievement from Jim Leape: WWF International Director General, and Yolanda Kakabadse, WWF International President. © WWF-Canon / Richard Stonehouse

 About Planeta Océano (Planet Ocean)

About WWF

WWF is one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with over 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries.  WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.  Visit www.panda.org/news for latest news and media resources.

This news is from WWF, 12 June 2013.