The Game Rangers’ Association of Africa (GRAA), has, on this World Ranger Day celebrated on July 31st announced that nominations are open for the 2022 African Conservation Awards.
This is an annual celebration to recognize the brave men and women across Africa who play a vital role in protecting our endangered species and in doing so raise awareness of their amazing work.
Often facing physical danger, political opposition and severe financial constraints, this selfless group of conservationists continue to work to save Africa’s natural heritage. The awards serve to motivate these dedicated men and women to keep fighting to ensure the survival of our wildlife and wild places for the benefit of this and future generations.
During an address at the closing ceremony of the virtual Rhino Conservation Awards last year, Game Rangers’ Association of Africa CEO, Andrew Campbell, announced the important and exciting change to the official name of the event.
Newly launched as the African Conservation Awards – it highlights the need to reflect broader conservation efforts across the entire continent in support of all species and landscapes – marine and terrestrial.
The Awards have been given a fresh new look and feel and will, once again, be an in-person awards ceremony hosted by the Game Rangers’ Association of Africa at the African Ranger Congress in Kasane, Botswana held between the 14 to 18 September 2022.
The African Conservation Awards is a ranger-led initiative to recognise our colleagues and supporters doing tremendous work to protect nature across the continent
“The African Conservation Awards is a ranger-led initiative to recognize our colleagues and supporters doing tremendous work to protect nature across the continent. Each year as the ranger community we are inspired by the incredible efforts of our ranger colleagues as they work to protect the things we all love,” said Mr. Campbell.
This will be the 11th year running for the African Conservation Awards. Founded by Dr. Larry Hansen (Founder of the ‘Carl Zeiss Tiger Conservation Award’) and Miss Xiaoyang Yu (Founding Partner of China New Enterprise Investment) in 2011 alongside the Game Rangers’ Association of Africa to recognize significant role players involved in rhino conservation in response to the poaching onslaught that Africa’s rhinos were facing.
They have been well received by the African conservation fraternity, providing an important platform to elevate and celebrate these individuals and organizations on the ground. The awards are once again made possible with the support of sponsors CNEI, endorsed by the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment.
The Awards welcome members of the public, non-profits, individuals within conservation organizations, and governmental entities across Africa to submit their nominations for these prestigious awards to recognize outstanding conservation work in their sector.
Nominations for the African Conservation Awards 2022 have officially opened under the following four categories:
- BEST FIELD RANGER
- BEST GAME RANGER
- BEST CONSERVATION TEAM
- BEST CONSERVATION SUPPORTER
