Call for Nominations: Wildlife Sentinel Award Philippines Returns to Recognise Anti-Wildlife Crime Champions
Outstanding dedication and extraordinary achievements in the fight against wildlife crime are once again set to take centerstage as the 2nd Wildlife Sentinel Award (WiSe) Philippines opens its call for nominations.
Building on the momentum of its launch and first award ceremony in 2024, WiSe returns to celebrate enforcers and prosecutors in the Philippines who demonstrate exceptional commitment to protecting the Philippines’ rich biodiversity.
Guided by five core themes—Innovation, Collaboration, Impact, Integrity, and Leadership—the Award will honour 5 entities who went above and beyond in combating illegal wildlife trade.
As one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, the Philippines continues to face significant threats from illegal wildlife trade. The award reaffirms the crucial role of enforcement, regulatory, or prosecution service personnel who toil, often in constrained, complex, and high-risk conditions, to defend the wild flora and fauna.
“More than a recognition, WiSe is a collective statement of the Philippines’ resolve to confront wildlife crime with excellence and unwavering dedication,” says TRAFFIC Southeast Asia Director Kanitha Krishnasamy.
“By celebrating those who are at the forefront and lead this fight, we strengthen the entire system that safeguards the country’s biodiversity.”
The 2nd WiSe Awards complements existing recognition systems within the Philippine government by providing a dedicated national platform to acknowledge extraordinary commitment to curb illegal wildlife trade.
Winners will be selected through a rigorous review by an independent panel, based on significant achievements from 2024 to 2025, and receive a bespoke medal and certificate, eligible for promotional points.
Nominations are open to individuals, units, and groups. The deadline for submissions is May 31, 2026.
Details on the award and nomination process, Brochure download
Nomination forms:
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About the project: The Wildlife Sentinel Award was introduced by TRAFFIC under the project Taking Charge: Strengthening Criminal Justice Response to Wildlife Crime that is supported by a grant from the United States Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
