Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa

Founder – Reptile and Amphibian Programme – Sierra Leone (RAP-SL)

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.

You can watch Edward’s story and read more here.

General Director – Friends of Bonobos du Congo (ABC)

Fanny Minesi rescues endangered bonobos from poachers, gives them sanctuary, and rewilds them in the rainforests of the DRC. As director of Friends of Bonobos of the Congo, Fanny’s strategy to tackle the root causes of bonobo endangerment – poverty, lack of education and economic opportunity – is comprehensive and unmatched.

You can watch Fanny’s story and read more here.

Maputo National Park – Park Warden

Miguel has worked within the Maputo National Park since 1999, becoming Park Warden in 2008. Under Miguel’s inspirational leadership across the last 12 years, the park has changed dramatically from a free-for-all hunting ground to a landscape able to support thriving populations of wildlife and recovering ecosystems.

You can watch Miguel’s story and read more here.

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Julie oversees the organisation’s mission to prevent the extinction of Madagascar’s endemic species. During Julie’s sixteen years in the field she has achieved a huge amount, becoming a true conservation leader. Julie’s leadership has enabled MV to establish four significant protected areas in the Ambatondrazaka district, eastern Madagascar, where colonies of the flying fox roost. Without Julie’s work, much less of the Mangabe rainforest would still be standing today.

You can watch Julie’s story and read more here.

South Rift Association of Land Owners (SORALO) – Executive Director.

John is one of Kenya’s foremost grassroots conservation leaders who has dedicated his career to developing a vision for the co-existence of pastoralists and wildlife. In Kenya, where 68% of wildlife resides on community land, supporting the ability of people and wildlife to co-exist is central to the future of wildlife conservation. He was presented his award by The Duke of Cambridge.

You can watch John’s story and read more here.

Three pioneering Africans were nominated for the 2019 Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa, and applauded for their work which has played a significant role in conserving endangered environments and species. The winner, Tomas Diagne, who, at the age of 23, started the NGO ‘Save our Sulcatas’ to rescue captive Sulcata tortoises, going on to establish a successful breeding and release programme that today continues at the ‘Village Des Tortues’ in Noflaye, Senegal. He was presented his award by The Duke of Cambridge.

You can watch Tomas’s story and read more here.