In the midst of trying times, environmental awareness and conservation efforts always win. This year, it is another win for Filipinos as conservationist and nature photographer Gab Mejia bags the World Wide Fund (WWF) International President's Youth Award.
This award is to honor outstanding young people who are committed to protect the natural world and help people live in harmony with nature. Furthermore, it aims to recognize young people under 30 years old, who are already active in conserving the natural environment, achieving significant success and/or innovative approaches, and whose efforts are influencing and inspiring others.
Mejia is the first Filipino to accomplish this and be on the roster of inspiring young people around the world since 2012 when the WWF International President's Youth Award was launched.
"It is a tremendous honor and great responsibility to have been bestowed the WWF International President’s Award along with Mutetelenu Kalama from Zambia," reveals Mejia in a Facebook post.
"Still surreal to have shared this same space and night with these leaders of our time. There is so much more work to be done for our planet. Only Together Possible! Thank you to WWF-International President Pavan Sukhdev and WWF Director General Marco Lambertini for this particular honor, which I hope can translate to further action for nature, the environment, and society. Thank you WWF-Philippines and the WWF-National Youth Council for being the most supportive community," reveals Mejia.
The award's night was in conjunction with WWF's 60th anniversary and conferred by no other than His Royal Highness Charles, Prince of Wales. In attendance was Sir David Attenborough, who was given the Duke of Edinburgh Conservation Award.
About Arabelle Jimenez.
