Nominations open for 2018 Rhino Conservation Awards

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Founded by Dr Larry Hansen, and Xiaoyang Yu, with the support of Zeiss and China New Enterprises, and in collaboration with the South African Department of Environmental Affairs and the Game Rangers Association of Africa, these awards acknowledge the work being done in the fight against rhino poaching.

In the last decade, over 7,000 rhinos have been lost to the dreadful poaching scourge in Africa alone. Only the dedication of all those involved in countering the threat of rhino poaching can help bring an end to this onslaught. Often facing physical danger, political opposition and severe financial constraints, this selfless group of conservationists continue to work to save our natural heritage.

Recognising leading role players

The primary objective of the awards is to give recognition to the leading role players in African rhino conservation and in doing so raise awareness of the amazing work that they do. The intention is to motivate these amazing men and women to keep fighting to ensure the rhino’s survival for the benefit of this and future generations.

The Rhino Conservation Awards will be presented on Friday, 24 August, at a gala dinner function at Montecasino in Gauteng. High-level dignitaries under the patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco will attend, including African government officials, foreign diplomats, media, sponsors, and other significant NGOs supporting rhino conservation.

These are the five categories in which people or organisations can be nominated:

1. Best Field Ranger: This must be an employed field ranger who works daily in the field of active rhino protection and risks personal safety and comfort to do so.

2. Best Conservation Practitioner: This must be a person, team or entity working full-time in the conservation field and combating rhino poaching through excellence in protected area management, intelligence gathering, strategic counter poaching operations etc.

3. Best Political, Investigative and Judicial Support: This must be a person, team or entity that plays a significant role in the political, investigative or judicial arenas and whose actions resulted in supporting the conservation of rhino in Africa. This includes law enforcement agencies, units and personnel.

4. Best Rhino Conservation Supporter: This must be a person, team or entity that plays a significant role in supporting the conservation of rhino. Supporters can lend support from any field that includes but is not limited to the scientific, awareness, education or funding spheres.

5. Special Award for Endangered Species Conservation: This must be a person, team or entity working full-time in the field to combat poaching of other endangered species through in field protection, protected area management, intelligence gathering, strategic counter poaching operations etc. This includes field rangers and conservation practitioners.

Only work done over the past 12 months starting July 2017 will be considered in the adjudication process. The nomination form is available online at www.rhinoconservationawards.org. Nominations close 24 June. Shortlisted nominees will be contacted directly in writing.