Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust’s Chief Scientist, Professor Carl Jones MBE, has been honoured for his contribution in the field of biodiversity in the Republic of Mauritius with the Grand Officer of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean Award.
The Grand Officer of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean Award (GOSK) is the second highest National Distinction of Mauritius and was bestowed onto Carl (pictured) upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister of Mauritius. The announcement was made on the Independence Day and Republic Day of Mauritius, and Carl will be officially honoured at a formal ceremony at the State House by the President of Mauritius, in the presence of the Prime Minister, several Ministers and dignitaries over the summer.
Professor Carl Jones started his career at Durrell in 1985. He is one of the world’s leading thinkers on the science and practice of saving species from extinction and the restoration of island ecosystems. In 2016, he won the prestigious Indianapolis Prize for Conservation, the ‘Oscars of the conservation world’, after dedicating his life to preserving and restoring the unique flora and fauna of Mauritius, once home to the iconic dodo. Through dedicated, long-term efforts in the field, he has shown that it is possible to bring species back from the very brink of extinction. Carl is also Scientific Director of the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF), an organisation founded in the 1980’s by Gerald Durrell to lead conservation projects on the island, which has been the leading environmental charity in Mauritius. Now Durrell is one of its partners, focusing on the restoration of reptiles, the pink pigeon and the strengthening of scientific and conservation capacity within Mauritius.
Commenting on this award, Carl said: “When we started work in Mauritius, 50 years ago, so few people there realised how important their wildlife was, so to get an award from the Government of Mauritius, is wonderful recognition for our investment in the island over the last half century. I am really proud of all of the species that we have restored together, including populations of birds, bats and reptiles, and when I walk into the forest and I see pink pigeons and Mauritius kestrels, I actually feel quite emotional. Gerald Durrell would have been thrilled as he always had a long-term vision for Mauritius, and I think we have exceeded that and he would be delighted with all that we have achieved.”
Rebecca Brewer, CEO at Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust added: “Carl being nominated for this award is just a huge testament to the dedication and passion he has for protecting and saving some of the most endangered species from extinction. We are hugely fortunate to have Carl as our Chief Scientist here at Durrell, he really does embody everything that Durrell stands for. We are so proud of you Carl, well done!”
