TUSK AWARD FOR CONSERVATION IN AFRICA RECIPIENT 2024
Edward Aruna
Sierra Leone
Having founded the Reptile and Amphibian Programme – Sierra Leone (RAP-SL) in 2012, Edward Aruna has gained national recognition through through his impactful work. His efforts have been instrumental in addressing the various threats facing marine turtle species along Sierra Leone’s Atlantic coast—including accidental by-catch, sand mining, loss of nesting beaches, and weak wildlife laws. Edward’s common-sense approach, deep understanding of conservation complexities, and his dedication to listening and designing community interventions that work have made him a standout leader.
With RAP-SL, Edward has spearheaded initiatives that engage local monitors to conduct extensive nesting beach and by-catch monitoring. This hands-on strategy has been crucial in gathering vital data: in 2023 alone, the programme recorded 110 turtle nests across 18 communities, leading to the successful hatching of 3,652 turtles of all five species found along the Atlantic coast: leatherback, olive ridley, loggerhead, hawksbill and green turtles.
Edward is highly regarded at all societal levels, including in Sierra Leone’s highest governmental offices. Over the past decade, his grit, patience and understanding of people have helped him overcome the overwhelming indifference or lack of awareness to the declining sea turtle populations in Sierra Leone. By linking conservation with targeted and relevant livelihood interventions, he has addressed the urgent needs of coastal populations who heavily depend on fish stocks, which are being depleted by foreign vessels. His initiatives have included providing essential infrastructure like water supplies, schools, solar electricity, and environmentally friendly fish drying ovens and kilns.
Edward’s success in raising awareness and fostering collaborations with local communities have attracted the national government’s interest and support of marine turtle conservation, as well as making him the foremost authority for marine conservation in Sierra Leone.
I would advise the next generation that the environment in which we dwell today doesn’t need us, we need it, so let them protect it for themselves and future generations too. I would also plead with them to forgive us for the environmental hazards they will be facing and that although not of their doing, they should do better than us and take positive actions towards restoration of the environment.”
