SANParks acting head of communications, Paul Daphne said the Kudu Awards are becoming one of the best conservation awards programmes in the country in which a lot of companies, individuals as well as community groups enter to showcase their work around environment and conservation of natural resources.
He said in the world threatened by a change in climate patterns it is important that corporate, individuals or groups are able to show what they are doing to be advocates for change in their operations all in the name of taking care of the environment we are living in.
The award is an initiative that aims to recognise external stakeholders for their contributions and efforts in making SANParks the custodian of choice for the national parks system in South Africa. "It aims at enhancing equitable and sustainable relationships with various external communities with a particular caring interest to the national parks of our country," he said.
Daphne said entrants enter the award programme voluntarily, and they allow their projects to be scrutinised by a panel of judges and comment on aspects such as the positive impact the project or an individual has had on the environment.
According to Daphne entering the awards programme holds real, tangible benefits for entrants. "In addition to receiving a thorough summary of all comments by judges, whether positive or negative, 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."
The awards will be made in four different categories - the Corporate Contribution to Conservation; the Environmental Media Contribution to Conservation; the Community Contribution to Conservation; and the Environmental Education/Capacity Building award.
For more information or an entry form, go to www.sanparks.org/events/kudu_awards.
