ADM - E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation Names New Half-Earth Chair | Benzinga
DURHAM, N.C., April 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation has named Dr. Alessandro Catenazzi as its new Half-Earth Chair. Catenazzi is a Swiss-Peruvian herpetologist with a strong interest in conservation biology. Much of his work is based in the Andes-Amazon of Peru, focusing on the existence of the Chytrid fungus in amphibians. He is an Associate Professor at Florida International University in Miami.
Catenazzi follows the inaugural Half-Earth Chair Piotr Naskrecki. The Foundation is thankful for Naskrecki's ongoing leadership, which has seen him mentor seven young Mozambiquan scientists in Gorongosa National Park. Together, they discovered 100 new species to science, identified 25 endemic to Gorongosa, and collected data for 750 species on the IUCN Red List. These Scholars have gone on to pursue and complete advanced research degrees in wildlife conservation and have become regional leaders in protecting Mozambique's unique flora and fauna. Naskrecki will continue to work as associate director of the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Laboratory at Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique and as Half-Earth Chairs, has a permanent role on the Half-Earth Council.
Program Director of the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation Brooks Bonner remarked, "I hope the next Half-Earth Chair will build on the incredible foundation established by the inaugural Chair, Dr. Piotr Naskrecki. Piotr's efforts in Gorongosa National Park championed local insights and provided trainings so that the next generation of biodiversity scientists will have the knowledge and technical skills to pave a new path in preserving Mozambique's incredible biodiversity."
Half-Earth Chairs are selected for their research leadership and ability to act as role models and mentors for the next generation of biodiversity scientists. Half-Earth Scholars are mentored by Half-Earth Chairs to advance their learning and research and empower local stewardship of biodiversity. Half-Earth Chairs are eligible for $30,000 of funding per year for up to 4 years in support of their research or program activities.
The Half-Earth Chairs & Scholars program is supported by ADM (NYSE:ADM), a global leader in ...