The WPA Conservation Award Winners of 2026
And the Award Goes to...
And the Award Goes to...
Conservationist of the Year Award
Dax Dasilva, Age of Union, and Juma Xipaia, Juma Institute
The Award
The Conservationist of the Year Award honors individuals who have demonstrated remarkable commitment, innovative strategies, and tangible achievements in the field of wildlife conservation and environmental protection. This award is intended to recognize a conservationist who has not only devoted their life to the preservation of our planet but has also surmounted significant challenges to make a lasting impact.
The Conservationist of the Year Award aims to:
Inspire others in the conservation community by spotlighting individual successes and innovative practices.
Encourage collaboration among organizations and communities to strengthen global conservation efforts.
Highlight the urgent need for dedication and resilience in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.
The Recipients
Dax Dasilva is the founder of Age of Union, a non-profit that unites people with nature through conservation, film, and immersive experiences, and the founder and CEO of Lightspeed Commerce. He is executive producer of the documentary YANUNI and a long-time supporter of Indigenous-led conservation.
Juma Xipaia is an Indigenous leader and chief of the Xipaya people of the Brazilian Amazon and the subject of YANUNI. She is the founder of the Juma Institute, and her work protecting her homeland from illegal mining, logging, and land grabs has made her a voice for Indigenous rights and climate justice.
We are honored to present the 2026 Conservationist of the Year Award to Dax Dasilva and Juma Xipaia.