WWF today presented Susi Pudjiastuti, the Republic of Indonesia’s Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, its prestigious Leaders for a Living Planet Award. The award recognizes individuals who make a significant personal contribution to the conservation of the natural world and sustainable development.

The award was presented by WWF International President Yolanda Kakabadse at an event coinciding with U.S. Department of State’s Our Ocean Conference in Washington, D.C.

“Ms. Pudjiastuti has spent a lifetime fighting illegal fishing, ensuring science-based sustainable fisheries management, and promoting marine health by expanding Indonesia’s network of marine parks and protected areas. There is no greater champion fighting for the health of Indonesia’s oceans.”

Throughout her career, Ms. Pudjiastuti has put in place significant policies to safeguard ocean health, including ratifying the Port State Measures Agreement, introducing minimum catch sizes for certain species, banning the use of harmful fishing gear that threatens the environment, establishing marine protected areas, and improving marine species protections.

“Minister Pudjiastuti has been strong and consistent in combatting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing to protect Indonesia's ocean resources. As a maritime country, Indonesia's valuable ocean assets need to be fully protected and effectively managed for the prosperity of the people and the planet. WWF hopes Minister Pudjiastuti continues her bold actions improving fisheries sustainability along with establishing more marine protected areas that will also contribute to Indonesia's commitment to the Aichi target,” said Wawan Ridwan, the Coral Triangle Program Director of WWF Indonesia.

Over 100 individuals have received this award since 2000, recognizing a wide variety of initiatives ranging from local actions to protect wildlife, to leading government initiatives that achieve specific conservation goals. Recent high-level recipients include Kofi Annan, the former UN Secretary-General, the Minister of Fisheries of Norway the Vice-Premier of China and the Ministers of Water Affairs of France, Togo and Benin.

The Leaders for a Living Planet award winners inspire environmental leadership and demonstrate personal responsibility to protect the environment. Their actions represent an important contribution to the achievement of WWF’s global conservation priority goals. When added together, multiplied and magnified, these actions make a major contribution to securing the status of our living world.