New York, NY (Dec. 4, 2001) Smithsonian Magazine and the United States Tour Operators Association's (USTOA) Travelers Conservation Foundation have announced the International Wolf Center as the winner of the first annual Smithsonian Magazine/USTOA Conservation Award. The award recognizes an individual, organization or destination in the travel or tourism industry that has committed to preserving the environment and its resources.
Established in 1985, the International Wolf Center in Ely, Minnesota, is the world's premier organization dedicated solely to the conservation of the wolf. A nonprofit group, the Center supports wolf conservation by teaching the public about the wolf's biology, its associations with other species, and its dynamic relationship to humans. The enormous success of the Center's education programs, the popularity of its magazine and Website, www.wolf.org, and the high demand for trips to study wild wolves and the Center's resident wolf pack and museum has earned it immense public support, including that of the Minnesota state legislature. "We are honored to receive this award for the Center's wolf conservation efforts." said Executive Director Walter Medwid. Human misunderstanding has plagued the wolf for centuries. It's our educational mission is to present the facts and debunk the myths, creating a world where wolf populations thrive in native lands and where human needs are balanced with an acceptance of the wolf's presence. The enthusiastic interest and participation by children and adults in our programs gives us hope for the survival of wolf populations around the world." Medwid accepted the award on behalf of the Minnesota-based organization in Miami on Tuesday.
An esteemed panel of judges from the fields of publishing, tourism and science determined five finalists from numerous nominations from around the world that were submitted this past September. Through an online poll, Smithsonian readers selected the winner from these extraordinary finalists: Il Ngwesi: A unique Ranch Co-Operative in Kenya; Saving Butterfly Habitats in Mexico; The Michoacan Reforestation Fund; Gordon Slade: Restoring Battle Harbour Fishing Community in Canada; and Professor Metin Sozen: Conserving Turkey's Historical and Cultural Heritages.
"Collaborating with the USTOA highlights our common goal of increasing awareness about environmental, cultural and wildlife conservation," said Smithsonian publisher Amy Wilkins. " This award provides an opportunity for the travel and tourism industries as well as the 7.8 million Smithsonian readers to voice their support for conservation efforts in place around the globe."
The USTOA is a professional association representing the tour operator industry. Members number among the top names in travel and embody the entire spectrum of vacation packages and tours available today. According to a recent survey, USTOA companies move more than 10 million passengers a year, with sales of over $8 billion. This sales success story reflects the organization's pledge to encourage and maintain the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and service.
Over the past 31 years, Smithsonian has grown to be one of the most successful magazines in the publishing industry. Focusing on cultural, scientific, lifestyle, travel and environmental features, Smithsonian delivers top-quality editorial to a highly affluent audience. Through its Travelers Conservation Foundation, the United States Tour Operators Association helps to protect and preserve sites of historic, natural and cultural significance.
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Contacts:
Smithsonian/USTOA
Corinne Sudberg
212-255-8455
corinne@rosengrouppr.com
International Wolf Center
Mary Ortiz
763-560-7374
mortiz@wolf.org
