Awarding conservation: entries open for 2016 Kudu Awards

In partnership with First National Bank (FNB) and Total SA, the South African National Parks' 2016 Kudu Awards have opened for entries. According to William Mabasa, SANParks' acting head of communications "The Kudu Awards is an event whereby SANParks honours and celebrates people who eat, sleep and breathe conservation. We give recognition to individuals and groups of people who go at length to conserve and protect our natural environment as well as our natural heritage for future generations and in doing so raise awareness about efforts being done in conservation management."

skeeze via pixabay

This year marks the 12th annual Kudu Awards, since inception in 2005. The awards aim to recognise external stakeholders for their contributions and efforts in making SANParks the custodian of choice for the national parks system in South Africa. “The key to the success of conservation management lies in the dedication of all people involved in the protection of South Africa’s natural assets and heritage.”

According to Mabasa, entering the awards programme holds real, tangible benefits for entrants. “In addition to receiving a thorough summary of all comments by judges, finalists and winners receive widespread exposure which gives them a definite competitive edge to their peers, particularly around their passion for our parks and all have a need to be recognised as the best in the conservation of our biodiversity.”

He said these people often do selfless, unrecognised work to protect and educate the South African citizenry about our natural assets. “At times, this occurs in the cold face of physical harm and danger, and trying financial constraints.”

The awards are consist of eight different categories as follows:

• Corporate Contribution to Conservation,
• Environmental Media Contribution to Conservation,
• Community Contribution to Conservation,
• Environmental Education/Capacity Building,
• Individual Contribution to Conservation,
• Professional Stakeholders;
• Associated Partners and the
• Website Community Choice award

The final date for entries is 7 July 2016. The award winners will be announced at a function in Gauteng in November.