In 1997 The Harpy Eagle Conservation Program received the prestigious award in The Computerworld Smithsonian Program for innovative use of technology in dealing with environmental issues. These awards were first presented in 1991, to “recognize heroes of technological innovation, to demystify public perceptions of technology and to clearly identify the benefits technology brings to the lives of the general public.”

The photo above, in Washington DC, is the original Harpy Team comprised of Gustavo Martinez (IT expert), Peter E. Küng (Wildlife Biologist), Eduardo Alvarez (Ecologist), and Eladio Rafael Alvarez (Field Assistant). A few months later they would organize Earthmatters.org to continue their lifelong commitment to conservation of Harpy Eagles and their rainforest habitat.