Local environment champion Dave Albao received an international recognition for marine and coastal conservation.
Albao, executive director of the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation which manages Danjugan Island, was among the Top 10 finalists of Blue Water Heroes Awards in Singapore.
Only two Filipinos were cited for the award. The other one was Dr. Deo Onda of the University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute.
“I owe this recognition to the many individuals – our trustees, staff, partners and advocates – who have supported and sustained PRRCFI over the years, but most of all to the local team of Danjugan Island who continue to inspire me when overcoming challenges for marine conservation on the ground. I was on that stage only because of the wonderful human beings I work with and who have shown unfathomable love,” Albao said.
Winners of the award should have made a positive impact in advocating for and protecting coastal and marine life and environments in the last 24 months; primarily based in Southeast Asia or whose impact is mostly in Southeast Asia; an individual advocate or leader of a non-profit or NGO advancing society’s awareness of coastal and ocean conservation through education or leveraging the power of community to create scalable impact; and a founder, co-founder or head of a social enterprise or company that is improving coastal and ocean health and sustainability with ground-breaking solutions using technology.
Three winners will be announced, with each receiving a cash prize and additional benefits that will enable them to further develop their cause, including access to industry experts as well as collaboration and speaking opportunities with ONE°15 Marina and selected partners, a press release from the organizers said.*