7 individuals, govt task force receives 'Earth Heroes' Awards

The RBS Earth Hero Award, for extraordinary work in conservation of wildlife, natural resource management, and environment was given to Brij Gopal.

Recognising pioneers in the field of conservation, the eighth edition of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS) 'Earth Heroes' Awards for 2018 was conferred on seven individuals and a state government task force, the RBS said in a statement.

The eight winners who were felicitated by the Vice President K Venkaiah Naidu contributed to protect and conserve the planet's ecological assets, the statement said.

"I congratulate The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) for having instituted these novel awards which identify and honour outstanding individuals and institutions that have made a significant contribution to protect and conserve the valuable resources of our planet," Naidu said.

Pankaj Phatarphod, Managing Director and Country Head of Services, India Chairperson – RBS Foundation India, said, "The consequences of climate change and the planet's depleting natural resources are much closer. Solving these grave issues is not a question of legislation alone but of our own positive actions."

The RBS Earth Hero Award, for extraordinary work in conservation of wildlife, natural resource management, and environment was given to Brij Gopal and the RBS Save The Species award was conferred to Peera Ram Bishnoi for protecting endangered species and contributing to education, awareness programs and resolving a man-animal conflict.

The RBS Earth Guardian' Award for making exceptional contributions in the field of conservation of wildlife, human life and property in wild habitats and awareness building was conferred to the Special Task Force (Wildlife), Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, the statement said.

Rita Banerji was felicitated with the RBS Inspire Award for inspiring action on the conservation of wildlife, natural resource management and environmental protection through creative expression, it said.