Heroes Honored at 52nd Chevron Conservation Awards

International Awards Program Recognizes Conservationists Meeting Economic and Environmental Needs

SAN RAMON, Calif., Oct. 9, 2006 -- Conservationists protecting oceans, rivers and waterlands, a former president of the Wildlife Habitat Council, an ornithologist protecting the Asian hornbill bird, and a non profit organization helping to improve the environment for disadvantaged communities in South Africa, were all honored at the 52nd Chevron Conservation Awards.

“Around the world, conservationists are finding practical solutions that provide both economic and environmental benefit. By recognizing their achievements, we aim to inspire others,” said Rhonda Zygocki, Chevron’s vice president of Health, Environment and Safety. “Chevron’s commitment to building productive partnerships is shared by this year’s Conservation Awards honorees, who have demonstrated the ability of working effectively with diverse organizations to meet environmental challenges.”

Founded by the late outdoors writer and conservationist Ed Zern in 1954 to recognize outstanding contributions to the conservation of natural resources, the international program has honored more than 1,000 volunteers, conservation professionals and non profit organizations around the world. This year’s six Chevron Conservation Award honorees are:

Iain Kerr, Massachusetts: CEO of Ocean Alliance, a research organization dedicated to the study of whales and the conservation of oceans. Kerr is credited with the success of the Voyage of the Odyssey, the first-ever global expedition dedicated to collecting baseline data on ocean contaminant levels worldwide.

William W. Howard, Maryland: When Howard passed away earlier this year, the conservation world lost one of its rare leaders. For more than 30 years, he dedicated his life to habitat protection. Since 1996, Howard served as president of the Wildlife Habitat Council, a non profit oganization focusing on natural resource improvements on corporate, private and public lands.

California Trout, California: California Trout’s mission is to “protect and restore wild trout and steelhead waters throughout California,” and they have been doing just that for 35 years. With 11 native species, California hosts the greatest diversity of trout in the United States. The trout are vital indicators of the health of California’s rivers and streams – the essential sources of water for the state’s thriving economy, vibrant population and spectacular environment.

Edward Wytovich, Pennsylvania: Edward is a lifelong conservationist who has contributed to the restoration of waterlands and natural habitats. This year, Edward celebrated the completion of the largest water lands restoration project in the state.

Jeunesse Park, South Africa: Jeunesse founded Food and Trees for Africa, a non profit organization dedicated to improving the environment in disadvantaged South African communities. Since 1990, the organization has planted more than 2.3 million trees, helped set up more than 1,300 organic food gardens in urban and rural communities, and turned dumpsites into parks.

Dr. Pilai Poonswad, Thailand: In 1994, Dr. Poonswad established the Hornbill Research Foundation to combat the poaching of hornbill chicks and raise awareness of the bird’s role in the forests of Thailand. Dr. Poonswad’s efforts to protect the hornbill’s natural habitat have helped reverse the decline of the species.

Chevron Conservation Awards honorees each receive a $15,000 contribution toward their respective conservation efforts. The annual awards, which are open to nominations from anyone in the world, are judged by an independent panel of conservationists. Information on the Chevron Conservation Awards program is available at www.chevron.com/conservationawards.

Chevron Corporation is one of the world’s leading energy companies. With more than 53,000 employees, Chevron subsidiaries conduct business in approximately 180 countries around the world, producing and transporting crude oil and natural gas, and refining, marketing and distributing fuels and other energy products. Chevron is based in San Ramon, Calif. More information on Chevron is available at www.chevron.com.

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