Jamal Galvez is awarded the Paul Harris Fellow Award

Today, Manatee Conservationist Jamal Galvez was presented with the Paul Harris Fellow Award. It is an award bestowed by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International to recognize and express appreciation for substantial contributions made. The Paul Harris Award recognizes individuals who have contributed or in whose names contributions were made to aid humanitarian efforts. The Rotary Club wrote, “Jamal grew up in Gales Point Manatee, a small village in southern Belize, where he developed a love for animals—particularly manatees. Today, his work centers on conserving the endangered Antillean manatees of Belize.”  Responding to the recognition, Galvez says, “To be acknowledged or recognized is one thing, but being acknowledged and recognized by folks whose sole mission is to serve others makes it even more meaningful.  As those of us who spend our lives in the service of others understand the sacrifice, determination and dedication that is required to do so, but we also know that feeling that joy in the heart we get from helping others in need or those that can’t help themselves.” Galvez, who works with the Clear Water Marine Aquarium Institute, is a national geographic explorer award recipient, as well as Ocean Hero and W.W.F. Planet Hero.