Prince William has warned there must be “no letup” in the bid to stop the “terrifying” loss of species and habitats across Africa.
Speaking at the 11th annual Tusk Conservation Awards in London, the Prince of Wales issued a reminder about the “disproportionate loss and damage from climate change” that the continent is facing.
The Prince, who has been patron of Tusk since 2005, said: “There must be no letup in our collective efforts to stem the terrifying loss of species and habitats we are all bearing witness to.”
On Monday evening, three individuals were awarded for their conservation work by the charity, which has supported habitat protection and anti-poaching intervention in Africa for over thirty years.
He presented the awards on-stage to winners Jealous Mpofu, Dr Ekwoge Abwe and Fanny Minesi.
In his keynote address, the Prince hailed the ceremony as “a rare moment to reflect on the significant achievements of our award winners and to recognise the challenges they face each and every day”.
William told conservationists at The Savoy Hotel in London that the rangers celebrated through the awards are “ecosystem guardians working on behalf of the global community.”
He said that these individuals “shoulder the immense responsibility of stewarding these vast areas of land and water - areas that are vital for the future of life on earth.”
The Prince added that protection of these natural habitats in Africa will “set us on the path to reaching the global target of safeguarding 30 per cent of all land, oceans, and inland waters by 2030”.
The future king helped to launch Tusk’s annual ceremony in 2013 to recognise the work of those trying to safeguard some of Africa’s most iconic animals and habitats.
As Royal patron, he has been a long-standing supporter of the charity’s efforts for almost two decades.
The awards aim to spotlight the stories of conservation leaders and wildlife rangers across the continent so that their work can be amplified.
Since the inaugural event in 2013, the awards have now recognised 55 conservation leaders from 20 countries.
“It is evenings like this that provide the vital impetus to effect positive change,” William said, adding: “Today’s winners now join an impressive alumni, formed of Africa’s most impactful, passionate and committed conservationists.”
Before taking his seat at the reception at The Savoy, the Prince took part in a reception upstairs, speaking with the charity’s trustees and representatives, including Rolling Stones legend Ronnie Wood and Emma Weymouth, the Marchioness of Bath.
Wood, who attended with his wife Sally, said they discussed the life-size gorillas they painted for the cause - which have raised over £100,000 in their sales - and the upcoming Stones tour for the band’s new album, Hackney Diamonds, with the Prince.
During his keynote speech, William said that the Tusk ceremony also serves as a reminder that “those living in Africa emit just a quarter of the emissions than that of the average global citizen”.
“Yet the African continent is set to incur disproportionate loss and damage from climate change.”
