Summary of Lisa Dabek named as 2025 DeHaan Finalist for world’s leading animal conservation award for her decades of work with
endangered tree kangaroos:
The Indianapolis Prize has announced six conservationists as DeHaan Finalists for the 2025 award, including Lisa Dabek, PhD, from Woodland Park Zoo. She founded the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program in Papua New Guinea, focusing on preserving the endangered Matschie’s tree kangaroo and local biodiversity, while empowering communities. Each finalist will receive $50,000 to support their work. The award, celebrating its 20th anniversary, honors outstanding achievements in animal conservation. Dabek’s initiative successfully established Papua New Guinea’s first nationally recognized, community-managed Conservation Area. The prize winner, to be announced in May, will receive $250,000 and be honored at the Indianapolis Prize Gala in September 2025.
- Lisa Dabek’s contribution to conserving the endangered Matschie’s tree kangaroo and her recognition as a 2025 DeHaan Finalist for a major animal conservation award.
- The establishment and impact of the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program in Papua New Guinea, focusing on both wildlife preservation and community development.
- The scientific and community-driven approach used by the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program to protect Papua New Guinea’s biodiversity and ecosystems.
- The importance of community-managed conservation areas and their role in preventing deforestation and over-hunting.
- The significance of international recognition and financial support through awards like the Indianapolis Prize in advancing conservation efforts.
Lisa Dabek’s lifetime dedication to animal conservation and her recent accolade as a 2025 DeHaan Finalist in the Indianapolis Prize is a testament to her enduring passion and significant achievements in preserving the endangered Matschie’s tree kangaroo. As a senior conservation scientist at Woodland Park Zoo and founder of the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program, Dabek has pioneered efforts to understand and protect this elusive species, which is crucial not only for the kangaroos themselves but also for the broader ecosystems they inhabit. Through her work, she has brought global attention to the importance of conserving threatened wildlife in Papua New Guinea’s diverse rainforests, an endeavor now recognized on an international stage.
Dabek’s venture into Papua New Guinea’s Huon Peninsula nearly three decades ago marked the beginning of a transformative conservation initiative. The Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program (TKCP), which she founded, has since evolved into a comprehensive model for both species protection and human development. The program not only aims to preserve the endangered Matschie’s tree kangaroo but also enriches the lives of local communities through sustainable education, healthcare, and livelihood projects. By integrating ecological and social elements, Dabek and her team have provided a blueprint for conservation that respects both biodiversity and human needs.
The conservation strategy employed by the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program hinges on a balance between rigorous scientific research and active community involvement. By engaging local landowners and communities, the program has successfully established Papua New Guinea’s first nationally recognized Conservation Area. Spanning over 187,000 acres, this area serves as a crucial sanctuary against deforestation, mining, and over-hunting and offers a safe haven for various endemic wildlife, including the majestic birds of paradise. Through ongoing scientific study, the program continuously refines its methods to ensure the continued health of these habitats and their inhabitants.
Critical to the success of the program is the community-managed approach to conservation, which empowers local populations to become stewards of their environment. This grassroots involvement is key to producing lasting change and supports the prevention of illegal logging and poaching activities. The conservation area effectively provides a buffer zone, protecting not just the tree kangaroos but also the broader ecological landscape, including cloud and lowland rainforests and coral reefs. The protection of these ecosystems is integral to the survival of numerous species and benefits the global environmental health.
The recognition provided by the Indianapolis Prize amplifies the reach and effectiveness of efforts like Dabek’s. By highlighting the achievements of conservationists, this prestigious award not only offers crucial financial support but also enhances visibility and advocacy for endangered species. The prize’s backing serves to bolster long-term conservation goals, providing momentum for ongoing and future initiatives. As Dabek is honored alongside other extraordinary conservationists, the spotlight is shone on the collaborative efforts necessary to secure the future of Earth’s vulnerable species.
In summary, Lisa Dabek’s contributions to the conservation of the Matschie’s tree kangaroo resonate as a vital piece of wildlife preservation efforts worldwide. The methods and outcomes of her work embody a model of conservation that fuses scientific rigor with community-based action. The international recognition from prominent entities like the Indianapolis Prize underscores the value and potential of such programs to inspire further advancements in the protection of biodiversity. As the global focus on environmental conservation intensifies, Dabek’s work offers both hope and a proven path forward for those dedicated to safeguarding the natural world.
