Tusk Conservation Awards 2023

Last night saw the annual Tusk Conservation Awards take place at London’s iconic Savoy Hotel.

The ceremony was attended by the charity’s Royal Patron, The Prince of Wales, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Africa’s leading conservationists. Now in its eleventh year, the Tusk Conservation Awards, in partnership with Ninety One, recognise dedicated, forward-thinking individuals with inspirational stories and incredible impact and tell their stories to the world.

Hosted for the first time by wild animal biologist and natural history broadcaster, Liz Bonnin, the prestigious event was attended by the charity’s Royal Patron, the Prince of Wales, who launched the inaugural awards in 2013. Prince William took to the stage to reveal this year’s winners, pay tribute to their work and present them with their trophies.

This year’s awards come at a time when Africa’s committed conservationists must now contend with the very tangible impacts of a changing climate and competing demands upon land use. It would be easy to despair in the face of such seemingly insurmountable obstacles, but the Tusk Conservation Awards are held to recognise the individuals rising to the challenge, effecting change and providing hope.

The Prince of Wales addressed this year’s nominees and winners saying: “Africa, its people, and its biodiversity are disproportionately affected by the impacts of a warming planet. Impacts which are, for the most part, not driven by those most affected. 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.

“But we do have the power to change this, and the stories we have heard tonight provide both optimism and hope. By investing in nature-based solutions we can help mitigate the worst effects of our warming planet and put it back on a healthier path.”

Also in attendance at the Savoy Hotel were Tusk Ambassadors Katherine Jenkins OBE, Marchioness of Bath, Emma Weymouth, Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, Sally Wood and Jack Savoretti. Each of the three winners received a trophy specially crafted by jeweller and sculptor Patrick Mavros, as well as significant grant funding to continue their vital work.

Find out about the awards and this year’s winners at The Tusk Conservation Awards website.