Forest & Bird is proud to announce that Dr Kelvin Lloyd has been awarded the prestigious Loder Cup, one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s highest honours for conservation.

Presented annually by the Minister of Conservation, the Loder Cup recognises outstanding achievements in protecting and promoting our unique indigenous flora.

Dr Lloyd was nominated by Forest & Bird for his scientific expertise and unwavering commitment, which has made a tangible difference to the protection of New Zealand's native plants.

“We are delighted to see his decades of work recognised with this prestigious award. Dr Lloyd is an experienced ecologist with more than 20 years at Wildlands in Dunedin,” says Erika Toleman, General Counsel at Forest & Bird.

“He has made an exceptional contribution to the study and protection of New Zealand’s native plants. His work spans estuarine, coastal, wetland, grassland, shrubland, forest, high-country, and alpine habitats, and his botanical expertise is widely respected.

“Dr Lloyd brings a unique depth of understanding and insight. He stands out among ecologists and botanists for his vast experience, enthusiasm, reliability, patience, achievements, and ability to communicate. Earlier this year, he was also one of Forest & Bird’s prestigious Old Blue award recipients for his outstanding work protecting and enhancing New Zealand’s natural treasures.

“He has an advanced understanding of rare and common species ecology and has shared his knowledge widely through conferences and publications. Dr Lloyd has also provided expert evidence that influenced major Environment Court decisions, including safeguarding threatened species at Te Kuha from mining,” says Ms Toleman.

Dr Lloyd played a key role in developing biodiversity offsetting frameworks and ecosystem mapping to guide conservation outcomes. He also co-founded Orokonui Ecosanctuary and served 14 years as its longest-standing trustee, helping create a safe haven for native species.

His tireless efforts embody Gerald Loder’s vision to “encourage and honour New Zealanders who work to investigate, promote, retain, and cherish New Zealand’s indigenous flora”.

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