The BBVA Foundation announces its 2007 Awards for Biodiversity Conservation

This third edition of the BBVA Foundation Awards for Biodiversity Conservation takes in four prize categories, for world-class scientific research in Ecology and Conservation Biology, innovative actions to preserve biodiversity in Spain and Latin America, and the dissemination of knowledge and social awareness on the importance of protecting nature. The combined amount of these awards, at over one million euros, is the highest of its kind internationally.

The present call will be open until July 12 this year, with the award decision made public before January 12, 2008.

BBVA FOUNDATION AWARD FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY

Recognizing contributions by scientists in any country that have significantly advanced the boundaries of knowledge in the fields of Ecology and Conservation Biology. A single prize of 500,000 euros will go to one or more scientists, up to a maximum of three, for a particularly significant contribution.

Nominations for this award must be presented by the authorities of universities or research institutions, national academies of science or scientific societies, or by scientists or experts of acknowledged repute in the fields of Ecology or Conservation Biology.

BBVA FOUNDATION AWARDS FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION PROJECTS IN LATIN AMERICA AND SPAIN

Recognizing the direct execution of one or more innovative projects for the conservation or restoration of species, habitats and ecosystems in Latin America and Spain, carried out by non-profit organizations. Two awards will be granted, of 250,000 euros each, one for the best conservation project undertaken in Latin America and the other for the best conservation project in Spain.

Nominations should be presented by representatives of national, international or supranational institutions with competences in the area of nature conservation; office holders of scientific societies; scientists or experts of acknowledged repute in the field of Ecology or Conservation Biology; and national or international conservationist organizations.

BBVA FOUNDATION AWARD FOR KNOWLEDGE DISSEMINATION AND COMMUNICATION IN BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

Recognizing the dissemination to society of knowledge and values concerning the natural environment and the importance of its conservation. A single, 80,000 euro prize will be granted to an individual of Spanish nationality or a public or private non-profit organization with its head offices in Spain.

Nominations should be presented by representatives of national or supranational institutions with competences in the area of nature conservation; office holders of scientific societies or associations of media professionals; scientists or experts of acknowledged repute in the field of Ecology or Conservation Biology; and national or international conservationist organizations.

Call conditions and application forms are available from the BBVA Foundation website (www.fbbva.es)