ABOUT THE AWARDS
Nominations are now open for the 2027 Conservation Visionary Awards, presented at the 2027 ILCN Global Congress in Melbourne / Naarm.
Across the world, people and organisations are finding new ways to protect nature, care for land and water, and inspire others to act - leading the way for conservation in their home countries and beyond, and shaping what’s possible for the future.
At each Congress, two visionaries setting strategically significant global precedents are recognised through the Conservation Visionary Awards.
The awards recognise and celebrate bold, collaborative conservation efforts that reach across sectors and territories to create lasting impact.
Nominations will close on 1st September, 2026.
Nominees should demonstrate
Visionary leadership
A powerful conservation vision that inspires others, backed by long-term commitment to conservation.
Strategic global impact
Work that offers lessons, innovation, or inspiration relevant beyond one place or country.
Enduring contributions
Clear evidence of durable conservation outcomes for land, water, biodiversity, and communities.
Collaboration and inclusion
Strong, inclusive partnerships that respect and engage First Nations peoples, local communities, NGOs and other partners and stakeholders.
Alignment with the ILCN mission
Reflects a commitment to advancing collaborative, cross-boundary approaches to private, community-led and civic land conservation.
Past Visionaries
Mandy Gull-Masty
Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)
on behalf of the Cree Nation Goverment Quebec, Canada