Last Tuesday (6/5), all WWF Global network leaders gathered in Foz do Iguacu, Brazil, for the "WWF Annual Conference 2014". In the presence of WWF leaders from around the world, Creusa Hitipeuw received the "WWF International Roll of Honour 2014". The woman, better known as ""Tetha"", was an Indonesian Marine Biologist who passed away at the end of last year.

"I was deeply moved when WWF International President, Yolanda Kakabadse, who was accompanied by WWF International Director General, Dr. Marco Lambertini, announced that Tetha would be remembered in the WWF International Roll of Honour 2014 alongside other conservationists who have gone before us," said WWF-Indonesia CEO, Dr. Efransjah. He continued, Tetha deserves the honor considering her extraordinary services and dedication to the development of Marine Biology and the world of conservation in general.

For WWF-Indonesia itself, Tetha is the best turtle expert the organization has ever had. For more than 17 years he has devoted all his time, thoughts and energy to the advancement of Indonesian marine conservation. Tetha has worked in various locations (ranging from the Aru Islands, Derawan, the Bird's Head and Cenderawasih Bay regions of Papua, as well as the Small Kei Islands, Maluku).

His work is recognized globally and among the world's marine species experts. Tetha has observed and researched sea turtle migration patterns with satellite transmissions with NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). The research successfully revealed the migration path of the Leatherback Turtle that moves from Jamursba Medi, Papua, to Monterrey Bay on the West Coast of the United States. The research is an outstanding contribution to global marine conservation. He holds a Master's degree in Marine Biology from Vrije Universiteit, Belgium, and is also developing research on whale shark movements in Cenderawasih Bay, Papua. The research aims to determine important habitats and the impact of ecotourism on whale shark behavior.

Tetha's love for marine conservation is immense. Before undergoing surgery, Tetha still had time to travel to California, United States, to attend a meeting on Leatherback Turtles, "Leatherback Turtle Summit" in mid-October 2013. Upon arrival in Jakarta, Tetha was detected to have advanced cancer and was immediately hospitalized at Medistra Hospital, Jakarta. But his condition continued to decline. The proud Indonesian marine conservationist passed away at the age of 44.

It is planned that the girl who was known during her lifetime to be friendly and sociable, patient, and a spreader of positive energy among her friends, will also be awarded the "Woman Champion" award in the field of conservation, at the "The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) Meeting" in Manado, May 13-16, 2014.