⁠Presented by the ICCN World Commission on Protected Areas, the awards were handed out on 11 October 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

<< They recognise dedication to nature conservation, honouring the courage, resilience and perseverance of the winners >>.⁠
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For Director Rodrigue, the award particularly highlights his courageous commitment to protecting the lands of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the face of corruption and exploitation, as stated on the ICCN website.⁠
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<< Virunga National Park extends its warm congratulations to Director Rodrigue Katembo Mugaruka >>.

This award highlights the Park’s ongoing efforts to protect one of the richest but most threatened areas of biodiversity in the world.⁠

Wrote : ICCN – Virunga National Park