Dominique Conseil, President of AVEDA, David Hircock, Special Advisor, and Marcos Terena of the Terena tribe in Brazil joined in the celebrations on International Day for Biological Diversity.

AVEDA hosted indigenous representatives from around the world, all committed to reducing poverty through the sustainable use of biodiversity.

Dr. Charles McNeill, UNDP Environment Team Manager, and Yusuf-Shani Ole Petenya enjoyed a successful evening at the elegant AVEDA office in New York.

Pamela Kraft, Executive Director of Tribal Link Foundation, joined Dominique Conseil and Marcos Terena to celebrate indigenous entrepreneurship.

Peter Burgess, founder of the Transparency and Accountability Network, and Nancy Busch, Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Fordham University, were among the distinguished guests.

Guests had the chance to enjoy a didgeridoo performance by Richard Walley of Australia.

Charles McNeill extended a warm welcome to all guests, highlighting the pivotal role of indigenous communities in poverty reduction and biodiversity conservation.

David Hircock introduced the speakers.

Dominique Conseil explained Aveda’s role in promoting the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity through collaboration with indigenous entrepreneurs.

Aveda Head of Research and Development Peter Matravers introduced Aveda’s newest fragrance, which was given to all guests as a complimentary gift.

Javier Loayza Barea, Chargé d’Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Bolivia to the UN, emphasized the role of indigenous communities in delivering on national priorities regarding biodiversity conservation.

Marcos Terena invited everyone to join in his traditional prayer for the earth.

Laura Yawanawá, from the Yawanawá tribe in Brazil, highlighted the role of indigenous women in community efforts to reduce poverty through the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Tashka Yawanawá, Chief of the Yawanawá tribe, talked about his community’s experience in dealing with the loss of biodiversity in Brazil.

On behalf of Shompole Community Trust, Yusuf-Shani Ole Petenya proudly received the Equator Prize certificate from Kristen Walker-Painemilla of Conservation International and Nancy Busch of Fordham University.

Accepting the Equator Prize on behalf of all the winning communities, Yusuf-Shani Ole Petenya spoke about the successes of the Shompole Trust in promoting ecological tourism in Kenya.

Sean Southey, Manager of the Equator Initiative, and Rukmini Paata, representing the Ngata Toro Community, winner of the Equator Prize in 2004.

The event organizers with Equator Prize winner Shani and other representatives of the Maasai people.

Guests at the reception.

Aveda staff members.

Aveda Staff and indigenous leaders.

Guests at the reception.

Representatives of UNDP and indigenous communities.

Guests at the reception.