vespex-2015

WWF-New Zealand is searching the country—from research labs to garden sheds and everywhere in between—for new ideas that could change the face of conservation.

Open from 26 September to 14 October, WWF-New Zealand’s Conservation Innovation Awards are designed to seek out and reward innovation that could be a game-changer for those on the frontline of conservation. Entries need to be submitted via wwf-nz.crowdicity.com

“We are inviting innovators from all walks of life to enter this year’s Conservation Innovation Awards,” said Michele Frank, WWF-New Zealand’s Head of New Zealand Projects. “If you have a great idea that could make a difference to the way communities can protect our special places and wildlife, then we want to hear from you.”

Prize packages of $25,000 will be awarded to each of the three winning entries.

WWF, with the support of The Tindall Foundation, is proud to be leading innovation in the New Zealand grass-roots community conservation sector.

“Conservation Innovation Award winners are at the forefront of conservation thinking, with ideas that look set to change the game for New Zealand’s voluntary conservation army, and our precious wildlife,” Ms Frank said.

“Increasingly, conservation battles are being fought by groups of committed volunteers, who often lack much-needed resources. These awards are a way to complement their efforts by encouraging talented people to bring fresh thinking to our conservation challenges,” Ms Frank explains.

Last year’s award winning ideas were: Lure, Trap & Retreat – an innovate lizard monitoring system; the Uawanui Project – an iwi-led community project from the East Cape; and Vespex Wasp Bait – a new protein-based wasp bait that wasps carry back to their own nests.

An independent judging panel will be looking for new ideas that have practical application and could benefit grass roots conservation groups. Judges include: Silicon Valley entrepreneur, Matthew Monahan (Kiwi Connect); Head of Industrial Design & Innovation at Auckland University of Technology, Shane Inder; environmental research champion, Justine Daw (Landcare Research and WWF-New Zealand Board Trustee); and conservation visionary and Director of Project Janszoon Devon McLean.

Now in its third year, the winners will be announced at a ceremony in Wellington on 8 November, 2016.