Another Prestigious Award for our Madagascar Program Director

In yet another of a long line of accolades, our Madagascar Program Director, Dr. Lily-Arison René de Roland has been awarded the title of “National Order of Madagascar” with the rank of “Commander.” “This is a very prestigious recognition by the government of Madagascar,” reports our Vice President of Conservation—International Programs, Dr. Evan Buechley. “It’s similar to being knighted in the United Kingdom.”

Upon accepting the award, Lily once again displayed the humility and grace that has helped make him such a respected figure in the conservation world, using the opportunity to call out the efforts of our entire Madagascar team. “Receiving this honorary distinction is a sign of the Malagasy government’s recognition of the efforts made by The Peregrine Fund in Madagascar over the past three decades,” he commented.

The award was presented by the Minister of Environment and Heritage Development on June 17 at a ceremony attended by other government officials, researchers, and stakeholders. Though given in recognition of all of his efforts in research and protection of species in Madagascar, his recent announcement as the winner of the Indianapolis Prize was an additional impetus for this award. Lily is the first African scientist to win the Indianapolis Prize, which is regarded as the world’s highest award in the field of wildlife conservation.