The 2015 Kudu Awards deadline is coming up fast

SANParks, head of communications, Paul Daphne said the Kudu Awards is SANParks way of honouring and celebrating those people that go to any length to conserve and protect our natural environment and heritage for future generations.

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. "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."

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 a financial reward and 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 are separated into the following six main categories:

• Corporate contribution to conservation award,
• Environmental media contribution to conservation award,
• Community contribution to conservation
• Environmental education/capacity building award
• Professional stakeholders
• Associated partners

The final date for entries is 31 July 2015.

Entry forms can be obtained from sanparks.org or for more information contact Christinah Njotini on 012 426 5020 or email gro.skrapnas@initojn.hanitsirhc. The award winners will be announced at a function in Gauteng in November.