London, 27th November 2024: The annual Tusk Conservation Awards’ ceremony, at which leading African conservationists are celebrated, took place at The Savoy Hotel, London, tonight.
Established in 2013 in partnership with Ninety One and in conjunction with H.R.H The Prince of Wales, the Tusk Conservation Awards recognise cutting-edge conservation heroes and their positive impacts on wildlife conservation and local communities across Africa.
The Tusk Conservation Awards are more important than ever. A recent report revealed an unprecedented crisis in biodiversity: global wildlife populations have seen an average decline in size of 73% in 50 years.* Tusk believes it is essential to fund, support and amplify the work of the conservationists on the ground in Africa - those who, with their progressive conservation projects, are driving the meaningful change that benefits both wildlife and people.
Royal Patron H.R.H The Prince of Wales took to the stage at the Savoy to reveal this year's winners, pay tribute to their outstanding work and present them with their trophies. The 12th edition of Awards was hosted for the second year running by wildlife biologist and presenter, Liz Bonnin.
The winners of the 2024 Tusk Conservation Awards are:
Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa: Nomba Ganamé (Mali)
The Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa: Edward Aruna (Sierra Leone)
Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award: Claver Ntoyinkima (Rwanda)
H.R.H. The Prince of Wales addressed this year’s winners saying:
“Now is the time to support those globally who work to prevent future generations from becoming disconnected from nature (...) We live in a world in which incredible wildlife exists, and I want that for the generations that follow. I want my children to live in a world where swallows still migrate, gorillas still live in the cloud forests of Uganda and rhinos still roam the arid rangelands of Namibia. It will be thanks to extraordinary leaders - such as those that we are celebrating today - that this will happen. They remind us of the importance of living at peace with nature; they should guide and inspire us all to drive change.”
Also in attendance at the Savoy Hotel were actor Idris Elba and Dire Straits star Mark Knopfler, and Tusk Ambassadors including the Marchioness of Bath, Emma Weymouth, Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, Sally Wood, Kate Silverton, Jack Savoretti and Levison Wood.
Each of the three winners received a trophy crafted by jeweller and sculptor Patrick Mavros, as well as significant grant funding to continue their vital work.
Speaking about the Awards, Nick Bubb, CEO of Tusk commented: “Africa is still rich in animal, plant and marine biodiversity. Tusk’s vision is a future where the continent’s wildlife and human communities not only coexist peacefully, but positively thrive. Tonight we once again celebrate the remarkable, courageous and committed individuals on the ground who safeguard Africa’s natural heritage night and day, and who demonstrate to us all the power of understanding, respecting and protecting the natural world.”
Hendrik du Toit, Founder and Chief Executive, Ninety One: “The endless degradation of the natural world is pushing our plant dangerously close to a series of tipping points that will lead to a less hospitable Earth for people and wildlife. Congratulations to all of those that have been recognised at the Tusk Awards. Their dedication to conservation plays a vital role in preserving Africa’s endangered environments and species, and it is essential that we continue to support their unwavering commitment to this task.”
The conservation leaders honoured in this year's Tusk Conservation Awards are:
- Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa, sponsored by Ninety One - a lifetime achievement award, given to a distinguished individual for their dedication and exceptional continued contribution to conservation in Africa.
Winner: Nomba Ganamé, Head of Field Operations at the Mali Elephant Project.
A visionary in wildlife conservation, Nomba Ganamé has dedicated his career to protecting Mali’s unique desert elephants, earning him the 2024 Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa.
As Head of Field Operations for the Mali Elephant Project, Ganamé’s pioneering community-driven approach has not only ensured the survival of this critically threatened population but also set an international example for community-driven, sustainable environmental management. His work has empowered local ‘eco-guardians’ to protect habitats and migratory routes, and manage natural resources sustainably. Ganamé’s commitment to environmental governance and deep understanding of the wider social, and economic complexities at play has made him an invaluable asset to the Mali Elephant Project. Ganamé is ready to do whatever it takes, however difficult or dangerous.
Ganamé comments: “My advice to the next generation is to have total commitment to community conservation, to listen to the local population and to demonstrate impartiality in their dealings. I would also say that you should never put the money first, because conservation takes a lot of time and energy and if you put the money first, it's difficult to succeed.”
- The Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa, sponsored by Defender – this award is given to an emerging leading conservationist, in recognition of outstanding success shown in their chosen field.
Winner: Edward Aruna, Founder and Managing Director of the Reptile and Amphibian Programme in Sierra Leone.
A passionate advocate for marine life and community well-being, Edward Aruna protects endangered marine turtles in Sierra Leone through his work with the Reptile and Amphibian Programme, which he founded in 2012.
Aruna’s grassroots efforts have transformed community attitudes, inspired greater government involvement in marine turtle conservation, and protected vital nesting sites along Sierra Leone’s coastline. He has established important data on sea turtle populations, coordinated nesting and by-catch monitoring, and empowered local communities by providing resources, education, and infrastructure. Aruna’s collaborative approach continues to reduce threats to marine turtles and foster sustainable coastal conservation.
Aruna comments: “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.”
- Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award, sponsored by the Nick Maughan Family Foundation - this award gives international recognition to the dedication and commitment of an individual who works in the field to protect Africa’s wildlife.
Winner: Claver Ntoyinkima, Senior Ranger Guide and Trainer at Nyungwe National Park.
A devoted steward of Nyungwe National Park, Claver Ntoyinkima has won the 2024 Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award for his exceptional dedication to primate and bird conservation in Rwanda.
Born near the forest he now protects, Ntoyinkima combines his deep ecological knowledge of the park’s bird population with a passion for educating and inspiring others. As a ranger, he has played a vital role in primate habituation and anti-poaching patrols, while also guiding scientific research and bird conservation efforts across Rwanda. His legacy extends to the next generation through conservation clubs he founded for local youth, fostering a lasting commitment to Rwanda’s natural heritage.
Ntoyinkima comments: “I am truly grateful to be a finalist for the 2024 Tusk Conservation Awards; there are no words to describe how proud I am to win this award. The acknowledgement of my dedication and efforts of giving back to the community is truly inspiring. I am very grateful for this historical support and recognition of the conservation efforts made by field-based actors like me.”
The Tusk Conservation Awards are made possible thanks to the continued generosity and support from: Ninety One, Nick Maughan Family Foundation, DHL, Defender, ISPS Handa, Fortemus Films & Gallantium, Shelton Fleming, Justerini & Brooks, Patrick Mavros, Mantis Group and Accor, The Savoy Hotel.