New Delhi, 9th October 2023:- Recognizing his lifelong contribution to the field of conservation in India, Mr Hemendra Kothari, Chairman of the Nature Conservancy (TNC) India Advisory Board and DSP Asset Managers has been awarded the prestigious Oak Leaf Award during a ceremony in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian in the US capital of Washington D.C.
Given by The Nature Conservancy, the world’s largest environment conservation organization having a presence in 76 countries around the globe, the Oak Leaf Awards are given to recognize trustees and volunteers who embody the organization’s values and whose accomplishments advance its mission.
The award is a testament to trustees and volunteers who have served as leaders for TNC and who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to elevating conservation strategies that align with the Conservancy’s 2030 goals. It also recognizes the personal commitment trustees and volunteers make to uphold TNC’s values.
Mr Kothari, a veteran investment banker, was instrumental in setting up the India presence of The Nature Conservancy in 2015. He guides the Conservancy’s work in the country as the Chairman of the advisory board of TNC India.
Mr Kothari has long been a supporter of conservation efforts and is one of the largest individual donors in wildlife and environment conservation in India. He is a Member of the State Board for Wildlife of Rajasthan under the Chairmanship of the Chief Minister, a member of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), appointed by the Government of India and a member of the Advisory Council of the Global Tiger Forum (GTF).
The award ceremony, held on October 3, saw the presence of the Conservancy’s trustees from around the world who will help the Conservancy achieve its audacious 2030 Goals. These goals include avoiding or sequestering 3 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year, helping 100 million people at severe risk of climate-related emergencies by protecting and restoring the health of natural habitats, conserve 1.6 billion acres of land as well as 1 million kilometres of river systems and 30 million hectares of lakes and wetlands by engaging in collaborative partnerships, among others.