New York, Sept. 16, 2026 -- The Amazon is approaching a critical moment as climate change, deforestation, fire, and other pressures threaten one of the planet’s most important ecosystems. During New York City Climate Week, leading conservation organizations will come together to recognize and celebrate an individual whose work is helping advance solutions for the future of the Amazon and the people and wildlife who depend on it.

The 2026 Thomas E. Lovejoy Prize will be presented on Wednesday, September 23 at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Central Park Zoo. Named for the pioneering conservation biologist who devoted much of his career to protecting the Amazon and helped bring the concept of biodiversity to global prominence, the Prize honors an exceptional leader whose science, vision, collaboration, and commitment to natural and cultural diversity are driving breakthroughs in Amazon conservation.

WHAT:
The 2026 Thomas E. Lovejoy Prize will be presented during an evening event at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Central Park Zoo on Wednesday, September 23, during New York City Climate Week. The Thomas E. Lovejoy Prize recognizes one exceptional individual advancing breakthroughs in the conservation of the Amazon through science, vision, collaboration, and respect for natural and cultural diversity. The Prize honors the legacy of Dr. Thomas Lovejoy, the world-renowned conservation biologist and passionate champion for the Amazon rainforest who helped bring biodiversity to the forefront of the global conservation agenda and brought together science, advocacy, and a spirit of collaboration throughout his career. The 2026 recipient will be announced at this event.

WHEN:
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
6:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Wildlife Conservation Society’s Central Park Zoo
New York City, 65th Steet and Central Park East

WHO:
The event and Thomas E. Lovejoy Prize are a collaborative effort of:
Conservation International
Global Environment Facility
The Nature Conservancy
Wildlife Conservation Society
World Wildlife Fund
The 2026 Thomas E. Lovejoy Prize recipient and conservation leaders representing the partner organizations will participate.

WHY:
The Thomas E. Lovejoy Prize honors a legacy while building a growing tradition: recognizing leaders who, through science, vision, and respect for natural and cultural diversity, work tirelessly for the future of the Amazon and the planet. Presented during New York City Climate Week, the Prize provides an opportunity  to highlight both the extraordinary individuals working to safeguard the Amazon and the global importance of conserving one of the planet’s most consequential ecosystems.

MEDIA:
Members of the media are invited to attend. Interview opportunities with the 2026 Prize recipient and representatives of the partner organizations will be available. Call WCS at +1 347.840.1242 with any questions accessing event or WCS Central Park Zoo

PARTNER MEDIA CONTACTS:
Conservation International: Jessica Brown, jbrown@conservation.org
Global Environment Facility: David Ainsworth, dainsworth@thegef.org
The Nature Conservancy: Rob Miller, Rob.miller@tnc.org
Wildlife Conservation Society: Mary Dixon, mdixon@wcs.org; +1 347-840-1242
World Wildlife Fund: Alex Gomez, agomez@wwf.org.co

The Thomas E. Lovejoy Prize
The Thomas E. Lovejoy Prize was created by give partner organizations (Conservation International, Global Environment Facility, The Nature Conservancy, Wildlife Conservation Society, World Wildlife Fund) to honor the legacy of Dr. Thomas Lovejoy, who passed away in 2021. Dr. Lovejoy, a renowned expert on biodiversity, was a passionate champion for the conservation of the Amazon rainforest who brought together science and advocacy and a spirit of collaboration to his chosen cause. The prize honors his dedication to the Amazon by acknowledging the achievements of individuals who embody that same spirit and dedication. The Thomas E. Lovejoy Prize is intended to provide a platform for others to learn more about the prize winner’s initiatives and achievements, and to help to inspire a new generation of Amazon conservationists at a time of urgency related to the need to avoid reaching an ecological tipping point in the region. Previous honorees have included: Belén Paez (Ecuador); Marc Duorojeanni (Peru) and Martín von Hildebrand (Colombia).