Photo WESSA

Awards were presented to (from left) Dr Oluf Martiny, Rob and Julie Filmer representing Eco Access, Les Underhill representing the Avian Demography Unit, Mrs Vivian Liversidge, widow of Dr Richard Liversidge, and to Danie van der Walt representing the TV programme 50/50. John Green, chairman of WESSA, is second from the right

Celebrating partnerships and efforts to conserve our environment, were highlights at an awards ceremony held in Kimberley on Saturday 11 September. The members of the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) presented awards to individuals and groups who promote participation in caring for the Earth. The WESSA awards recognise those who have made a significant and sustained contribution to conservation and the environment.

Five awards were presented at the ceremony. Two remarkable men were awarded the WESSA Gold Medal, the highest honour WESSA can present to an individual. Awarded posthumously, the Gold Medal bestowed on Dr Richard Liversidge recognised his life-long contribution to conservation. WESSA Chairman, Mr John Green, said: "he was truly a remarkable man, whose knowledge and enthusiasm enriched our lives." WESSA also recognised the contribution of Dr Oluf Martiny, a past President of WESSA. Dr Martiny has played an important role in a wide range of environmental issues ranging from malnutrition and AIDS to community-based conservation in Limpopo Province.

For a man who is usually behind the camera, attention was focused on Danie van der Walt, producer of the television programme 50/50, who received a President's Special Award on behalf of his team. 50/50 is one of the longest running wildlife documentary series in the world. Through 50/50, conservation issues have been brought into the homes of millions of South Africans, educating them, informing them and encouraging them to action.

Photo WESSA

This was part of the ADU team that was present at the WESSA awards ceremony. From left, Eric Herrmann, Eddie MacFarlane, Mark Anderson and Angus Anthony are all participants in various ADU projects in the Northern Cape, with Les Underhill in the centre. This awards honours all the ADU's volunteers

The conservation of African Penguins, White Storks, frogs and other species, as well as coordinating the efforts of thousands of volunteers through atlasing programmes run by the Avian Demography Unit, based at the University of Cape Town, formed the basis of a President's Special Award to the ADU. The award recognized the role that the unit has played in involving volunteers in conservation actions. "I am delighted that the award was made to the ADU, as our successes are really a team effort", said Professor Les Underhill head of the ADU.