In a speech, the Prince of Wales said: “Thank you all for joining us this evening. It is a pleasure to be here tonight to celebrate the Tusk Conservation Awards, now in it’s 13th year. This evening has highlighted the remarkable achievements shown by each of our three winners working on the frontline of conservation.
“I would particularly like to thank the team who produced the short films we have just seen, which offer a great insight into the work of this year’s winners. The stories we have heard are ones of personal sacrifice and a life-long dedication to protecting Africa’s natural world often carried out in the face of what must feel like insurmountable challenges.”
The royal continued: “Tonight is a reminder that our planet continues to face serious environmental concerns. We must continue our efforts to protect nature and highlight the critical role that biodiversity plays in supporting all life on earth.
“My visit to Brazil earlier this month for The Earthshot Prize and for COP30 reinforced my sense of urgency. It reminded me that when we unite behind a shared purpose, we can accelerate solutions that make both people and planet healthier.”
William then added: “Africa has the world’s second largest rainforest and like the Amazon, the Congo Basin rainforest is under increasing threat from human exploitation. It is so often the indigenous communities and local conservation leaders who provide the practical solutions to how we can best sustain our precious natural landscapes and vital biodiversity.
“Laban, Rahima and Kumara are wonderful examples of what can be achieved locally, regionally and at the national level. Identifying and supporting locally-led conservation has always been at the heart of Tusk’s ethos.
“As patron, I am immensely proud that over the last 35 years, Tusk has invested in over 250 such projects spanning more than 25 countries across Africa, working collectively to improve protection for over 60 species. Humanity thrives when nature is given the space to provide us with the clean air, water, and food that we all require.
“That is why the insight and expertise of the Tusk award winners should inspire us to drive change. We must continue to amplify their voices and support their vital work.”
He then highlighted: “But their jobs remain amongst the most dangerous on earth. Each year, I am deeply moved by Tusk’s Roll of Honour for the Rangers who have tragically made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The bravery and dedication of the men and women who choose to become nature’s guardians, is truly humbling and demands our deepest respect.
“Tusk has supported the vital work of Rangers with over $24m raised in the last 5 years via its annual Wildlife Ranger Challenge. I was also pleased to launch the Ranger Welfare and Standards Initiative last year, which improves the working conditions and wellbeing for those on the frontline.”
William concluded: “With the generosity and support of many of you in this room, over 6,000 rangers have already signed on to the RangerProtect insurance scheme and a further 1,500 are in the pipeline.
“If we all want to continue to enjoy and benefit from the wonders of the natural world we must not be the generation that stands by as wildlife and biodiversity disappears.
“What we choose to do will have an impact on future generations and tonight we must choose to do more. Congratulations again to the Award Winners. You give us all optimism for the future of our planet. Have a wonderful evening.”
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.celebrity.land.com ’
