On Sunday night at a beautiful hacienda on the outskirts of Mérida, Mexico, Jane Goodall, Sylvia Earle, Russell Mittermeier, Patricio Robles Gil and Vance Martin joined the International League of Conservation Photographers’ (ILCP) Cristina Mittermeier and over 150 participants to offer James Balog the first-ever League Award for Conservation Photography. Mr. Balog has over 30 years of experience photographing nature and has also received the Leica Medal of Excellence, among other awards.

Maria Carolina Hoyos is the Senior Manager of Communications Strategy for Conservation International and blogging from WILD9.