Suwit Wins J Paul Getty Award

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti has won the J Paul Getty Award for his work on enviornmental conservation.

The award, given by the World Wildlife Fund, recognises Suwit’s role at both the domestic and international levels, including his revocation of timber concessions in mangroves, improving assistance programmes for tsunami-hjit victims and his plan to set up a network to fight wildlife trading.

Suwit is the second Thai to receive this award, after the late Dr Boonsong Lekagul, who won in 1979 for similar contributions.

The Social Action Party leader said he was surprised and attributed it to the ministry officals and NGOs who work with him in the conservation projects. He said he would spend the US$ 200,000 (Bt 6.6 million) award money on conversation projects.

He also said the ministry was going ahead with its plan to connect up the three forest reserves covering Huai Kha Khaeng so animals can be allowed to roam freely. The project will help conserve about 300 tigers.

Source: The Nation

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