The awards were presented during a solemn ceremony at the Headquarters of the Canary Islands Government.
The prestigious Gorilla Award, one of the most important environmental recognitions internationally, was granted this Friday in Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Gabriel Mato and Miguel Castroviejo Bolívar for their permanent and ongoing commitment to the conservation of ecosystems and species. The award ceremony, created by Wolfgang Kiessling to honor individuals and institutions with outstanding careers in environmental protection, took place at the Headquarters of the Canary Islands Government.
The event was attended by the Vice President of the Government of the Canary Islands, Manuel Domínguez, and other prominent public figures. Domínguez highlighted the importance of promoting a sustainable development model that responsibly manages natural resources. He also emphasized the figures of Gabriel Mato and Miguel Castroviejo for their contribution to raising greater social awareness about the importance of protecting nature.
In a ceremony marked by a commitment to biodiversity, Wolfgang Kiessling, President of Loro Parque, and Christoph Kiessling, President of the Loro Parque Foundation, personally presented the awards. Wolfgang Kiessling emphasized the importance of joining efforts to safeguard global biodiversity and protect ecosystems that are constantly under threat. He stressed the need for sustainable initiatives, like those led by Loro Parque and Loro Parque Foundation, which, from the Canary Islands, promotes global conservation projects.
Christoph Kiessling, for his part, highlighted the importance of valuing the work of conservation centers such as zoos and aquariums, as they are “true animal embassies that help halt species extinction.” To illustrate this, he gave the example of the 12 parrot species that Loro Parque Foundation has saved from extinction.
Dedicated to biodiversity and its defense
Gabriel Mato, a Member of the European Parliament since 2009, has a distinguished career in the defense of marine biodiversity. As coordinator of the Fisheries Committee, he has promoted multiple initiatives that advocate responsible practices, protecting the natural resources of the Canary Islands. This commitment led him to be one of the main supporters of bringing to the European Parliament the proposal for the creation of the Macaronesia Sanctuary, which Loro Parque Foundation has been pushing for over ten years. With his support, actions surrounding this proposal gained significant visibility in such a symbolic place as the European Parliament.
In his acceptance speech, Mato emphasized this support, which, in October 2023, brought Loro Parque Foundation’s proposal for the creation of a marine sanctuary in the Macaronesia region to prominence in the European Parliament building in Brussels. This initiative is key to establishing a safe corridor for cetaceans and other marine species in a region known for its environmental richness. Originally from the island of La Palma, Mato is one of the most internationally recognized Canarians in the field of marine protection, reinforcing environmentally sustainable forms of human development. Mato has consistently recognized and supported the value of Loro Parque and Loro Parque Foundation’s actions, becoming a significant supporter of their efforts within institutions.
Miguel Castroviejo Bolívar, on the other hand, holds a PhD in environmental ecology and began his career as director of the Teide National Park. During this time, he carried out actions to defend the natural heritage of Tenerife in particular and the Canary Islands in general. It was during this period that he became acquainted with the work of Loro Parque and Loro Parque Foundation, becoming a staunch supporter, helping to highlight the NGO’s work before experts from the permanent environmental representations of all European Union member countries at a technical meeting held in Tenerife. Since then, he has supported environmental defense actions before the European Union’s Directorate-General for Environment, advocating for sustainability and the conservation of ecosystems on a global level.
An award for commitment and action in defense of the planet
Since its creation in 2003, the Gorilla Award has expanded its scope, becoming a global distinction that recognizes leaders in biology, politics, journalism, and tourism for their ongoing dedication and tangible contributions to the development of a sustainable environment. In this 21st edition, the Gorilla Award is being presented at a time of unprecedented environmental challenges, with awardees Mato and Castroviejo playing active roles in the European Parliament, promoting sustainable policies to protect the biodiversity and environmental wealth of the Canary Islands and the world.
The recognition of Mato and Castroviejo not only highlights their work in Europe but also underscores the role of the Canary Islands as a hub of innovation in sustainability. Over these 21 years of activity, the Gorilla Award has been granted to more than thirty individuals and entities worldwide. In past editions, the prestigious award has gone to Canarians such as Antonio Fernández, one of the most internationally recognized scientists, and Ricardo Melchior, President of the Tenerife Island Council from 1999 to 2013, who share a career of love and respect for nature.
