Posted on July, 01 2013

In 2012 Dawa Steven Sherpa, a 28-year-old mountain guide and conservation activist, became the first recipient of the new WWF International President’s Award. The award was created to acknowledge and encourage the achievements of people under 30 who are working to conserve nature around the world.
Dawa Steven Sherpa heads an adventure trekking company that encourages respect for nature among mountaineers and explorers. He had climbed four 8,000m peaks by the age of 24 – including Mount Everest, twice.

Raised in Kathmandu, Nepal, Dawa Steven is a graduate in business administration and has been organising successful Eco Everest Expeditions since 2008, drawing international attention to the impact of climate change on Himalayan people and their environment.

His expeditions use solar cookers and he started a ‘cash for trash’ scheme where climbers are paid to bring rubbish back down from the mountain. He also works with local youth to empower them to become active in mountain protection. Check out his inspiring TED talk.

As a WWF Climate Witness, Dawa Steven is also an international advocate for climate action (see link).
Yolanda Kakabadse, WWF International President, said “This new award enables WWF to shine a light on brilliant young people who are working in the field to protect the natural world, and my dearest wish is that it inspires others with the energy and ambition to achieve great heights too. We desperately need young leaders and pioneers in nature conservation. If anyone can inspire others to do their bit for the planet, it is Dawa Steven Sherpa.”

The WWF International President’s Award will be presented annually, and nominations are invited via WWF offices around the world.