Bozeman, Montana — The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) and the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) are now accepting nominations for the biennial Markhor Award. Submission deadline is August 14, 2026.
Against the rugged backdrop of Central Asia’s rugged mountain landscapes, the Markhor, a mountain goat species, has become a global symbol of what is possible when conservation and sustainable use work hand in hand. Once under significant pressure, the species’ remarkable recovery demonstrates how well-managed, community-supported sustainable use—including regulated hunting tourism—can generate incentives for conservation, protect habitats, and improve local livelihoods. Inspired by this success, the Markhor Award celebrates and showcases outstanding initiatives that integrate sustainable use as a tool in conserving biodiversity.
“The award celebrates outstanding conservation achievements by individuals, institutions, enterprises, or projects,” explained Corey Mason, WSF's Executive Vice President of Conservation and COO. “More specifically, actions that have linked biodiversity conservation with human livelihoods through sustainable use, particularly hunting, as part of wildlife and ecosystem management.”
Since its inception, the Markhor Award has celebrated the vital role of local communities in driving conservation success through innovative approaches and sustainable practices. Presented biennially at the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), with the support of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the award has become a distinguished recognition of projects that demonstrate the effective application of sustainable use principles in biodiversity conservation.
The WSF/CIC partnership, alongside the adoption of the 2030 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), marks a new chapter for the Markhor Award. By broadening its reach and enhancing its impact, the award is well positioned to support the implementation of the GBF. This partnership underscores the award’s ability to evolve in response to emerging conservation priorities while preserving its longstanding association with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
If your work helps deliver measurable conservation outcomes while creating benefits for people and nature, we encourage you to apply and share your achievements with a global audience.
The deadline for submissions is August 14, 2026. Submit online applications only, with this link.
About the Wild Sheep Foundation
The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF), based in Bozeman, Montana, is a leading international conservation organization dedicated to wild sheep and their habitats. Founded in 1977 by sportsmen and conservationists, WSF has invested more than $156 million in conservation efforts worldwide.
Through initiatives focused on habitat enhancement, population restoration, scientific research, education, and advocacy, WSF works to fulfill its mission to “Put and Keep Wild Sheep on the Mountain®.” These efforts have helped restore North American bighorn sheep populations from historic lows of approximately 25,000 in the mid-20th century to more than 85,000 today.
WSF serves a global membership of more than 11,000 supporters and collaborates with partners across North America, Europe, and Asia to ensure a sustainable future for wild sheep. Learn more at www.wildsheepfoundation.org.
About the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation
The International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) is a non-profit international NGO dedicated to advocating for biodiversity conservation through the sustainable use of wildlife resources. As one of the oldest conservation organizations in the world, the CIC currently represents 30 government bodies and has a membership of over 2,000 individuals. Today, the CIC is active in more than 80 countries.
With a vision of a world where wildlife is valued and conserved as part of nature for the benefit of humanity, CIC strives to fulfill its mission to promote and support the conservation of wildlife and related landscapes, local communities, and traditions through sustainable use, including hunting. Learn more at https://cic-wildlife.org.
Tags: International, Press Release