The awards have been held annually since 2012 and serve to recognise significant role players involved in rhino conservation. Nominations are invited from all African rhino range states, in the following categories: Best Field Ranger, Best Conservation Practitioner, Best Political and Judicial Support, Best Science Research and Technology, and Best Awareness, Education or Funding. The additional Special Youth category honours young people who have taken action against poaching.
Founders Dr Larry Hansen, and Xiaoyang Yu, with sponsors Carl Zeiss Sports Optics, in collaboration with the South African Department of Environmental Affairs and the Game Rangers Association of Africa, will present the Rhino Conservation Awards in 2016. Prince Albert II of Monaco serves as the patron of the awards.
“The key to successfully conserving the rhino will lie in the dedication of all those involved in the fight against rhino poaching in Africa,” believes Dr Hansen. “These people often do selfless and unrecognised work to save our natural heritage that is in danger of being lost forever. Sometimes this happens in the face of physical danger, political opposition and severe financial constraints. These factors make the contribution of each role player even more worthy of recognition.”
Nominations can be made by and/or on behalf of any person or organisation that has played a part in rhino conservation, on any scale. Nomination forms can be requested from Janyce Dalziel at az.oc.stnevetnirruc@ecynaj, or downloaded from www.rhinoconservationawards.org/nominate. Nominations will close on 1 June 2016. An executive committee will review all nominations and draw up a shortlist. A panel of adjudicators will then identify the winners and runners-up in each category.
For more information, go to www.rhinoconservationawards.org.
