Bacolod-based conservationist Lisa Paguntalan-Marte has been named one of the two recipients of the 2026 MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity.
The AEON Environmental Foundation and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity announced the awardees in a joint statement on July 7.
Paguntalan-Marte, executive director of the Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. based in Bacolod, will receive the award alongside Alexandra Zimmermann of Germany.
She was recognized for more than 25 years of work in biodiversity research and conservation in the Philippines.
The award organizers cited her contribution to the rediscovery of the Philippine bare-backed fruit bat, which was previously believed to be extinct.
She was also recognized for efforts to conserve threatened wildlife, including the endangered Visayan hornbill.
Paguntalan-Marte led the local implementation of the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and helped integrate biodiversity programs into local government planning and budgeting.
The organizers also cited her promotion of conservation initiatives that respect Indigenous Peoples’ rights and increase women’s participation.
Each laureate will receive $100,000 to support biodiversity conservation activities.
The awarding ceremony and laureates’ forum will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on August 27 at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo in Japan.
The event will be organized by the AEON Environmental Foundation and the CBD Secretariat, with support from Japan’s environment and foreign affairs ministries.
Established in 2010, the biennial MIDORI Prize recognizes individuals who have contributed to biodiversity conservation, the sustainable use of natural resources, and the development of a sustainable society.
The organizers said 21 individuals from 20 countries have received the award since it was established.
Errol Gatumbato, Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. president, said Paguntalan-Marte’s exceptional technical expertise and leadership, the PhilBio has established good and respected track record in the field of biological research and collaborative, participatory and community based conservation work.
“The PhilBio has pioneered the synchronized hornbill and bat counts, and produced numerous publications, of which Lisa has been the brain. She provided technical assistance to numerous government and nongovernmental organizations in various parts of the country,” he said.
She is the only Filipino to receive the international award, Gatumbato said. *
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