December 13th, 2023
We are proud to announce that our former Executive Director and current Chairman of the Supervisory Board David Fielding Morrison has been awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for his exceptional accomplishments in service of nature conservation.
The Order of Merit is the highest recognition awarded by the Federal Republic of Germany for services to the common good.
The ceremony and reception were organized by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Jochen Flasbarth, State Secretary in the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, was one of the laudatory speakers, as well as the Executive Directors of CNF’s partner organisations Stefanie Lang (Legacy Landscapes Fund) and Markus Knigge (Blue Action Fund).
All three speakers emphasized David’s remarkable dedication of over 15 years to pro bono work in the field of nature and conservation. During this time, he not only established the Caucasus Nature Fund but also played a pivotal role in the creation of its partner conservation trust funds, namely Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT), Blue Action Fund, and Legacy Landscapes Fund. As if these accomplishments were not enough, he also conceived and established the Nature Trust Alliance, a collaborative venture among the four conservation trust funds, which provides operational support services to the funds so that they can focus on their core missions.
To this day, David continues to serve in different capacities at each of the Funds, actively contributing to the preservation of Earth’s endangered nature.
Throughout the ceremony, reception, and lunch, David had the pleasure of spending time with numerous old friends and companions who came together to honor and celebrate his remarkable achievements.
