The Kenton R. Miller Award for Innovation in National Parks and Protected Area Sustainability is a biennial award given by the George Wright Society. The award recognizes outstanding innovations that have led to the sustainability of national parks and protected areas around the world. The award is named after Kenton R. Miller, who was a distinguished National Park Service manager and leader in the field of protected area management. The award was established in 2013 to honor his legacy and contributions to the field. The award is open to individuals or teams of individuals who have developed innovative solutions or approaches that have significantly contributed to the sustainability of national parks or protected areas. The innovations can be in any area related to park or protected area management, including conservation, visitor experience, education, research, or policy.
In 2020, and for the first time, a conservationist from the Lebanon received the prestigious Kenton R. Miller Award for Innovation in National Parks and Protected. Area Sust ainability. At an online ceremony hosted by the International Union for the Conservation for Nature (IUCN) and World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), this year’s award was presented to Nizar Youssef Hani, the general manager of the Shouf Biosphere Reserve in Lebanon.
The "Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy" is a prestigious honor given by the Italian government to foreign nationals who have made significant contributions to the promotion of Italy and its culture. The order was established in 2011 to recognize individuals who have strengthened the ties between Italy and other countries through their professional or personal achievements. The honor is awarded in recognition of the recipient's excellence, integrity, and commitment to promoting Italy's image and culture. The award is typically presented by the Italian ambassador to the recipient's home country or at a formal ceremony in Italy. The recipient is presented with a medal and a certificate signed by the President of the Italian Republic.
Overall, the Order of the Star of Italy is considered a high honor and recognition of outstanding achievement, particularly for those who have contributed to promoting Italian culture and heritage on a global scale. This recognition was granted to Mr. Nizar Hani for his outstanding contribution in not only promoting the relationship between Italy and Lebanon, but also for his dedication and perseverance, and for the distinguished role he has been playing in protecting nature and supporting the local communities.
In November 2018, the Shouf Biosphere Reserve was awarded the Green List certificate an international programme of certification for protected and conservedareas that are effectively managed and fairly governed.