Dr Lloyd was presented the award in Dunedin yesterday by Department of Conservation director-general Penny Nelson.
Dr Lloyd had raised understanding of ecosystems on a nationwide level, aided court decisions and supported community conservation, Doc said in a statement.
Ms Nelson said Dr Lloyd epitomised the qualities of the conservation award, which recognises people who have made an outstanding contribution to conserving indigenous flora.
"Winning the Loder Cup is not merely about personal achievement, it is about demonstrating leadership, inspiring others and leaving a legacy that benefits generations to come," she said.
"It’s an honour to present this award to someone who has spent a lifetime defending the native plants and landscapes that make Aotearoa unique."
Dr Lloyd studied at the University of Otago, completing a PhD in botany, and built a successful career in ecology and botany.
His extensive research on ecosystems across Southland and Otago has shaped the way wetlands are mapped and assessed nationally.
Over many years, he helped safeguard vulnerable habitats by reviewing resource consents for major infrastructure projects and appearing as an expert witness in the Environment Court, before boards of inquiry and at tribunals.
He was the lead author of a report for the Ministry for Primary Industries in 2019 which modelled the potential spread of wilding conifers across the country. From this work, $14million was allocated to controlling wilding conifers.
Dr Lloyd, 57, was part of the small group that started the Orokonui Ecosanctuary. As a trustee for 14 years, he has been central to its success.
He made a major contribution to the study of New Zealand’s native plants, especially his research comparing the ecology of rare and common species. Through the New Zealand Ecological Society, he has widely shared his knowledge of new taxa, species distribution and ecology.
In his speech yesterday when awarded the cup, Dr Lloyd said he was proud to follow a line of Otago and Southland botanists who had won the award lately. He was lucky to choose botany to study at university and have a career in something he really enjoyed.
One of New Zealand’s oldest conservation awards, the Loder Cup was donated by avid plant collector and enthusiast Gerald Loder in 1926 to encourage and honour New Zealanders who work to investigate, promote, retain and cherish New Zealand’s indigenous flora.
Forest & Bird nominated Dr Lloyd.
"We are delighted to see his decades of work recognised with this prestigious award," Forest & Bird general counsel Erika Toleman said.
"He has made an exceptional contribution to the study and protection of New Zealand’s native plants. His work spans estuarine, coastal, wetland, grassland, shrubland, forest, high-country and alpine habitats, and his botanical expertise is widely respected."
Earlier this year, he was one of Forest & Bird’s Old Blue award recipients for his outstanding work protecting and enhancing New Zealand’s natural treasures.
Dr Lloyd and his family live on a lifestyle block north of Dunedin and own a farm nearby where they have covenanted about 30ha of native forest.
