Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti won the J Paul Getty Award for his work on environmental conservation. The award, given by the World Wildlife Fund, recognises Suwit's role in both domestic and international levels, including his revocation of timber concessions in mangroves, improving assistance programmes for tsunami-hit victims and his plan to set up a network to fight wildlife trading.
The Social Action Party leader said he was surprised and attributed it to the ministry officials and NGOs who work with him in the conservation projects. He said he would spend the US$200,000 award money on conversation projects.
He also said that 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. This project will help conserve around 300 tigers.
