Wildlife Trust Honors Innovative Leaders in Conservation
Annual International Conservation Awards Gala & Auction
NEW YORK, NY - September 22, 2008 - Wildlife Trust, the international conservation organization that empowers local conservation scientists worldwide to protect nature and safeguard ecosystems and human health, is pleased to announce that it will honor Wildlife Trust Alliance partner and conservation scientist, Dr. Claudio Valladares Padua, and Guilherme Peirao Leal, founder and Co Chairman of Natura Cosméticos S.A. for their environmental responsible corporate leadership at its annual gala on October 16, 2008.
Early in his career, Dr. Claudio Padua decided to leave the business world and pursue a life dedicated to the conservation of endangered wildlife. After receiving his Masters degree and Ph.D in 1993, Dr. Padua went on to co-found IPÊ - Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas (Institute for Ecological Research) in Brazil, which is today his country's foremost science-based environmental organization.
Dr. Padua is currently the Vice Rector of Brazil's only graduate university dedicated to conservation science, the University for Environmental Conservation and Sustainability. This institution has been developed by IPE, and was made possible by a major contribution from Natura Cosmeticos. Dr. Padua is also an Associate Senior Researcher at Columbia University, New York, and is the senior international coordinator of the Wildlife Trust Alliance. He has edited two books and has more than 40 articles published in national and international journals.
"We are inspired by the amazing successes and dedication Dr. Padua has demonstrated toward the protection of endangered species and their habitats in Brazil, and for training the next generation of young conservationists. We are excited to celebrate Dr. Padua's achievements," said Dr. Mary C. Pearl, President of Wildlife Trust.
Guilherme P. Leal's profound and longstanding commitment to sustainability has helped make Natura, Brazil's largest multinational cosmetics company, known for its high ethical and environmental practices. With a commitment to biodiversity, Natura employs a policy of sustainable guidelines when it comes to producing more than 900 products. The Natura line includes makeup, fragrances, skin and hair care products, and in addition to its commitment to the creation of the conservation and sustainability university, the company has bridged alliances with NGOs, universities, research centers, and government to achieve sustainable development. "When it comes to corporate responsibility, Natura, is a model citizen working in all the countries where it operates to raise awareness of the importance of conservation and sustainability," said Oliver Engert, co-Chair of the event committee. Natura has developed carbon neutral products, extensive recycling programs and low environmental impact procedures to assist in preserving Brazilian biodiversity.
The evening will begin at 6:00 P.M. with a cocktail reception and silent auction hosted at the Ritz Carlton Battery Park. Dinner and the awards ceremony will be followed by the "Around the World with Wildlife Trust" luxury live auction, featuring trips and unique experiences based around Wildlife Trust's conservation programs. Wildlife Trust is recognized as a worldwide authority in conservation and the environment, having been responsible for many scientific breakthroughs, including discovering the origin of the SARS virus. The organization has received prestigious Whitley awards - often called the "Green Oscars" - for the groundbreaking work by its scientific teams. Wildlife Trust was named "Best Wildlife Charity" by Reader's Digest and has received the highest rating from Charity Navigator, an independent charity evaluator, five years in a row.