2025’s awards, hosted towards the end of last year in London under the patronage of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, were especially uplifting. The Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa recognised Kumara Wakjira for more than three decades of impact across Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. The Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa was presented to Rahima Njaidi of Tanzania, whose work with community forest guardians is safeguarding vital landscapes for future generations. And the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award honoured Kenyan ranger Laban Mwangi for his tireless frontline protection of endangered species.

His Royal Highness captured the spirit of the evening in his own words: “We must continue our efforts to protect nature and highlight the critical role that biodiversity plays in supporting all life on earth. 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. 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.”

For Patrick Mavros Jnr, each trophy created for the Tusk Awards is more than an object – it is a tribute. Shaped by hand and his vision, every piece is crafted with meticulous care to honour the courage, resilience and commitment of Africa’s conservation heroes. As he explains, “Designing and making the Tusk trophies is a great privilege. My hope is that each piece carries the same spirit as the people it celebrates – a sense of purpose, humility and unwavering dedication to protecting our continent’s wildlife. To see these heroes step onto the stage and hold something made by our family is incredibly humbling.”

Watching the winners take the stage – their families and teams beside them, with Prince William recognising their extraordinary work, is profoundly moving. For our family, being part of this story, one that uplifts conservation and celebrates those on the front lines of protecting our natural heritage, is something we hold with deep gratitude.

Did you Know?

The Tusk Awards were first established in 2013 to spotlight Africa’s most innovative and dedicated conservation leaders.

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales has served as Patron of Tusk for over two decades, helping elevate global awareness of African conservation.

Over the past 13 years, the awards have recognised leaders from more than 20 African countries, representing work that protects over 60 threatened species.

The trophies presented each year, since 2020, are handcrafted in sterling silver by Patrick Mavros Jnr – each one designed, sculpted and finished by hand in Zimbabwe.

Many past winners have gone on to secure significant international support, enabling them to expand their conservation projects and reach more communities.

Year after year, the Tusk Awards remind us of the power of determination, collaboration and hope. These are the qualities that define the individuals who protect Africa’s wildlife, often against overwhelming odds. To play even a small part in recognising their achievements is a privilege that continues to inspire our own creativity, purpose and connection to the continent we call home.

Nominations are now open for the 14th Annual Tusk Conservation Awards. If you know someone deserving, nominations are open until 26 April 2026. Your submission could help shine a light on the next conservation champion and support the essential work being done to protect Africa’s wildlife and wild spaces. Learn more at www.tuskawards.com