Wilson Center Lovejoy Award for Leadership in Environmental Conservation in Latin America

Award Overview
The Lovejoy Award is an annual award that celebrates emerging leaders in environmental conservation. By recognizing and empowering individuals under 40 engaged in impactful public policy and conservation efforts, this award continues Lovejoy’s mission of safeguarding our planet’s biodiversity.
Eligibility & Selection Process
The Lovejoy Award seeks to identify leaders under 40 actively developing public policy and conservation efforts across Latin America, with a focus on environmental law enforcement and advocacy. Ideal candidates include government officials, civil society leaders, journalists, and scientists dedicated to making lasting impacts in environmental conservation and protecting tropical forests.
- Selection Process:
  - Nomination and review by a committee comprising Wilson Center representatives, the Lovejoy family, and other conservation supporters.
  - Selection criteria emphasizing contributions to policy development, advocacy, and scientific engagement.
Eligibility Summary:
- Age limit: Under 40
- Profession: Government officials, civil society leaders, journalists, scientists
- Scope: Contributions to conservation policy, law enforcement, and public engagement in Latin America.
Award Benefits
List the benefits the winner will receive:
- Annual Recognition: Presented by notable conservation leaders (invited guest for inaugural award: Marina Silva, Brazil’s Minister of the Environment).
- $10,000 Cash Prize.
- Global Fellow Designation: Exclusive access to Wilson Center’s mentorship, networking, and collaboration opportunities with conservation leaders worldwide.
- Residency Opportunity: Potential for a residency at the Wilson Center to enhance policy impact and regional influence.
Timeline
- Launch Date: December 5, 2024 – Latin America Program Gala, Miami
- Nomination Period: Begin recruitment and nominations at gala event
- First Award Presentation: November 2025 - Casa Wilson Center at COP30 in Belem, Brazil
Join Us in Supporting Future Environmental Leaders

The Wilson Center Lovejoy Award for Leadership in Environmental Conservation in Latin America recognizes young environmental champions whose work is transforming conservation efforts across the region, including in Brazil and Colombia. Inspired by the legacy of the legendary conservationist Thomas Lovejoy, the award aims to empower future leaders dedicated to protecting biodiversity and advancing sustainable development.

Minister Marina Silva's Remarks

Legacy of Thomas Lovejoy

A concise bio of Thomas Lovejoy and his contributions, emphasizing his transformative impact on biodiversity protection and environmental conservation in Latin America. This section could include a quote from Lovejoy to personalize his vision.

Latin America Program

The Wilson Center’s prestigious Latin America Program provides non-partisan expertise to a broad community of decision makers in the United States and Latin America on critical policy issues facing the Hemisphere. The Program provides insightful and actionable research for policymakers, private sector leaders, journalists, and public intellectuals in the United States and Latin America. To bridge the gap between scholarship and policy action, it fosters new inquiry, sponsors high-level public and private meetings among multiple stakeholders, and explores policy options to improve outcomes for citizens throughout the Americas. Drawing on the Wilson Center’s strength as the nation’s key non-partisan policy forum, the Program serves as a trusted source of analysis and a vital point of contact between the worlds of scholarship and action. Read more

Brazil Institute

The Brazil Institute—the only country-specific policy institution focused on Brazil in Washington—aims to deepen understanding of Brazil’s complex landscape and strengthen relations between Brazilian and US institutions across all sectors.  Read more

Wilson Center Lovejoy Award for Leadership in Environmental Conservation in Latin America