The Rhino Conservation Awards will be presented at a gala dinner held at Montecasino in Johannesburg in July. Award finalists will be joined at the event by high-level dignitaries under the patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco, South African government officials, foreign diplomats, media, sponsors, and other significant NGOs supporting rhino conservation.
Since being founded by Dr Larry Hansen and Xiaoyang Yu in 2011, the awards have been hosted annually in collaboration with South Africa's Department of Environmental Affairs and the Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA).
Commenting on the work of those involved in rhino conservation, Dr Hansen said: “To continue this fight, there must be some encouragement, support and appreciation. It is a grueling occupation, and one that often leads to physical danger, political opposition and severe financial constraints. The Rhino Conservation Awards seek to recognise the efforts of these (often) unsung heroes – giving them the impetus they need to continue in their battle against the poachers.”
