Wildlife conservation award for Bhutan King

Jigme Singye Wangchuck has been conferred the 2006 J Paul Getty Conservation Leadership Award for his concern for the environment.

Bhutan King Jigme Singye Wangchuck has been conferred the 2006 J Paul Getty Conservation Leadership Award in recognition of "his leadership and deep concern for the environment".

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According to a statement by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the king's efforts have resulted "in the establishment of government policies and laws that have substantial positive impact on conservation and help ensure environmental sustainability in Bhutan, and by example globally as well".

"This award belongs to the government and the people of Bhutan and not to any individual for we have all worked together to conserve our environment," Wangchuck was quoted as saying by the kingdom's national daily Kuensel.

The award carries a cash prize of $200,000.

The J Paul Getty Conservation Award has over the years, recognised accomplishments of some of the world's most distinguished conservationists and conservation institutions.

On its 30th anniversary this year, the award was restructured to give it a greater focus.

It now recognises a single individual who has shown leadership in conservation in three annually rotating themes - political leadership, scientific leadership and community leadership. This year's category is on political leadership.