Mike Pandey Wins 2024 Jackson Wild Legacy Award for Wildlife Films
Maryland [US], September 8: Renowned environmentalist and filmmaker Mike Pandey has been honored with the 2024 Jackson Wild Legacy Award. This prestigious award, given at a gala event at the AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring, Maryland, recognizes his exceptional contributions to wildlife conservation through his powerful films over the past 45 years.
In his acceptance speech, Pandey expressed his gratitude, saying, “Receiving the Jackson Wild Legacy Award is a deeply profound honor, not just for me, but for the voiceless we share the planet with; every voice and every species these films have sought to protect.” He emphasized the importance of storytelling in raising awareness and inspiring action to safeguard the planet’s ecosystems.
The Jackson Wild Legacy Award celebrates individuals who use storytelling to drive real-world change. Past recipients include Sir David Attenborough, Jane Goodall, and Sylvia Earle. Geoff Daniels, Executive Director of Jackson Wild, praised Pandey’s passion for wildlife conservation, noting that his films have driven critical legislative changes and inspired millions globally.
Pandey’s early experiences with wildlife in Kenya and India shaped his commitment to environmental conservation. His acclaimed documentaries, such as Shores of Silence: Whale Sharks in India, have highlighted critical environmental issues and led to significant legislative changes in India, protecting species like whale sharks, vultures, horseshoe crabs, and elephants.
As the presenter and director of Earth Matters, India’s national environmental program, Pandey has reached 800 million people weekly for 18 years. He also serves as Chairman of the Earthwatch Institute India and the Earth Matters Foundation. A three-time Panda Award winner, Pandey has received numerous accolades, including the Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Conservation Award and the “Hero of the Environment” title by Time Magazine USA. He continues to promote eco-tourism and heritage tourism in India as the Brand Ambassador for the Uttar Pradesh Government.
The 2024 Jackson Wild Legacy Award highlights the vital role of media in addressing environmental challenges. Through powerful narratives, awardees like Pandey bring global attention to the urgent need for conservation, inspiring collective action and policy changes for a sustainable future.
Doubts Revealed
Mike Pandey -: Mike Pandey is a famous person who makes movies about nature and animals. He helps protect wildlife and the environment.
Jackson Wild Legacy Award -: The Jackson Wild Legacy Award is a special prize given to people who make important movies about nature and help protect the environment.
environmentalist -: An environmentalist is someone who works to protect nature and the environment, like trees, animals, and clean air.
Maryland, USA -: Maryland is a state in the United States of America. It’s where the award ceremony took place.
legislative changes -: Legislative changes are new rules or laws made by the government to protect things, like animals or the environment.
whale sharks -: Whale sharks are the biggest fish in the ocean. They are gentle giants and need protection.
elephants -: Elephants are large animals with trunks. They live in forests and need protection from harm.
TV program ‘Earth Matters’ -: ‘Earth Matters’ is a TV show that talks about nature and how to take care of the environment.
Brand Ambassador -: A Brand Ambassador is a person who represents and promotes something, like eco-tourism, to make people aware of it.
eco-tourism -: Eco-tourism is a way of traveling that focuses on visiting natural places and protecting the environment.
Uttar Pradesh -: Uttar Pradesh is a state in India. It’s where Mike Pandey helps promote eco-tourism.
