The 2023 ICCF U.S. Congressional International Conservation Leadership Gala

The ICCF "Good Steward" Award

Honoring Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sánchez, and the Bezos Earth Fund

Among the event’s highlights were remarks given by Executive Chair Jeff Bezos of the Bezos Earth Fund, following the Award presentation by U.S. Senator Chris Coons, Co-Chair of the International Conservation Caucus.

"If we look back on our past with a watchful eye, what we really see is a message of hope. We have been confronting challenges since before we’ve been writing history. And we have always found the faith to rise above them."

-- Jeff Bezos, Executive Chair, Bezos Earth Fund

The Bezos Earth Fund, established with a record-breaking $10 billion commitment from Jeff Bezos to be disbursed as grants, is building a diverse team of thought leaders, problem solvers, and doers from scientific, government, private, and nonprofit backgrounds, all working to deliver transformational change. The Bezos Earth Fund is spurring innovation and progress through seven key programs: Conserving & Restoring Nature; Future of Food; Environmental Justice; Decarbonizing Energy & Industry; Economics, Finance, & Markets; Next Technologies; and Monitoring, Data, & Accountability. It has provided more than $1.84 billion through nearly 200 grants.

Tribute to Rob Portman

During the event, John B. Gantt, CEO of the ICCF Group, extended his heartfelt thanks to Hon. Rob Portman for his many years of outstanding conservation leadership, for which ICCF presented him with the first-ever Teddy Roosevelt® International Conservation Award in 2006.

As Co-Chair of the International Conservation Caucus, Senator Portman worked tirelessly to protect natural resources and wildlife. In just the past few years, he introduced legislation to reauthorize the Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Act; reauthorize the Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Act; eliminate shark fin sales; protect migratory birds; and promote nature-based climate solutions. He also led on issues such as reforestation, carbon capture, water, fisheries, energy, national parks, and waste management.

"I want to thank ICCF for bringing us together (...). It’s an extraordinary group, that makes extraordinary strides. Let's continue to stay together. On this issue, at least. Let's continue to work together, for the good of the planet."

-- The Honorable Rob Portman, U.S. Senator (Ret.)

With Special Guest His Excellency Santiago Peña, Président of the Republic of Paraguay

H.E. Santiago Peña and First Lady Leticia Ocampos closed the event walking on stage hand in hand, sharing with the audience an inspiring vision for Paraguay and its mission to preserve its invaluable forests, which make up 40 percent of the country’s territory, and its rivers, which have helped generate the nation’s Blue Economy.

"We have decided to leave a legacy for our own country, a legacy for future generations to recognize our history, but, more importantly, to understand that this planet is the only one we have."

-- His Excellency Santiago Peña, President of the Republic of Paraguay