Africa Celebrates Ranger Heroes at the 2024 African Conservation Awards – Africa.com
Africa Conservation Awards 2024, hosted by the Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA) (www.GameRanger.org) is an opportunity to celebrate some of the outstanding work of African conservationists. GRAA is proud to showcase outstanding contributions to the conservation of Africa’s natural heritage. For 2024, GRAA has modified the categories of this prestigious event to ensure that Marine Corps Rangers are also recognized and celebrated.
These awards continue to remind us of our responsibility to rangers working across Africa, many of whom work in challenging environments with few resources. Every organization and individual nominated for these awards has demonstrated extraordinary resilience and determination and remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving its conservation goals despite the enormous odds they have faced. We are inspired by their unwavering commitment Everyone. Homeless people should be recognized and celebrated.
The 2024 Africa Conservation Prize winners are:
best field ranger
winner: Modiki Claver, ranger leader of Dzanga Sangha Reserve, Central African Republic (CAR)
Modiki Claver is a captain in the law enforcement unit of the Dzanga Sangha reserve in the Central African Republic. He rose from being a porter in 2010 to becoming the region’s top captain. Claver led a team of seven rangers through the Congo Basin, including parts of Nubale-Ndoki and Lobek National Parks, demonstrating leadership by dismantling traps, seizing weapons and making arrests . He has made significant contributions to scientific research, including tracking elephant populations, assessing the impact of logging, and monitoring illegal hunting. In addition to his law enforcement duties, Clover has developed strong relationships with local communities and young people, guiding them toward conservation careers. During the military-political turmoil of 2013, he displayed extraordinary courage by covertly tracking insurgent activity and providing critical information to protect wildlife. Known for his field skills, ethical leadership and commitment to the rights of indigenous peoples, Claver is an inspiring role model in the conservation field.
First Runner-up: Sekibibi Bareke Désiré, Central Sector Manager, Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Second Prize: Jean Claude Kyungu, former ranger at Maiko National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo
best navy ranger
winner: Chanel Hauvette, Senior Marine Field Ranger, Robberg Nature Reserve and Marine Reserve and Keurbooms River Nature Reserve, South Africa
Chanel Hauvette is a Senior Marine Field Ranger who has shown an exceptional dedication to marine conservation, leading stranding response, enforcement, biodiversity monitoring and community engagement at Roberge Nature Reserve and Marine Reserve. As coordinator of the Pratt Stranding Network, she manages hundreds of strandings each year, ranging from seals to birds to endangered sea turtles, often stabilizing animals in her own home. Despite challenges such as limited resources and transportation, Chanel has developed strong partnerships with local businesses, NGOs and residents to gain support. Her leadership, innovative solutions and passion for conservation inspire her teams, educate communities and ensure the protection of marine biodiversity.
First Runner-up: Emily Nyevu Simba, Ranger Corporal, Watamu Marine Reserve, Kenya
Second Prize: Clive Hendricks, marine ranger, Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa
best rangers
winner: Human-Wildlife Conflict South Luangwa Rapid Response Team, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
The South Luangwa Rapid Response Unit for Human-Wildlife Conflict (RRU-HWC) is a joint project between the South Luangwa Conservation Authority and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife. Dramatically improve coexistence between communities and wildlife through proactive education, innovative solutions and rapid conflict resolution. Their education campaigns reached more than 4,000 people, raising awareness and resulting in a 44% improvement in predator-proof fencing, reducing livestock predation. The team has also earned the trust of the community by responding to challenges such as elephant crop raids and predator attacks through rapid response and non-lethal deterrence. Despite limited resources, the RRU-HWC empowered local wildlife committees, inspired community-led initiatives and strengthened partnerships with government and non-governmental organizations. Their dedication not only mitigates conflict but also fosters a culture of conservation, ensuring long-term benefits for people and wildlife.
First Runner-up: Tango 1 Mobile APU Team, Tana Delta, Kenya
Second Prize: Unit K9, South Luangwa, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Best Ranger Supporter
winner: Munene Kamundi, Strong Ranger Initiative, Kenya
Munene Kamundi is a passionate advocate for the welfare of wildlife rangers, using his expertise in occupational health and safety to address key conservation challenges rangers face. Despite financial hardship and resource constraints, he has helped more than 400 rangers this year, with a goal of supporting 5,000 rangers annually. Through its innovative Health Ambassadors programme, Camundi promotes mental health, safe practices and emergency response training, aligned with global biodiversity frameworks such as the Kunming-Montreal Agreement. His transformational leadership and vision are underscored by his tireless commitment to integrating ranger well-being into sustainable conservation efforts across Africa, even in the face of adversity.
First Runner-up: Amon Koutoua Benoît, Technical Director, Office of Parks and Protected Areas, Côte d’Ivoire
Second Prize: WCS Congolese Anti-Wildlife Trafficking Team (North and South), Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of the Congo
In a poignant video, His Royal Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, esteemed Patron of the Africa Conservation Prize, paid tribute to the brave conservation heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. He solemnly paid tribute to the 64 rangers who tragically lost their lives in the past year while protecting the earth’s precious natural heritage. Prince Albert expressed his profound gratitude to these fallen heroes and all African rangers who selflessly dedicate their lives to protecting our natural spaces. He urged collective action in support of the 30×30 global initiative, stressing that achieving these ambitious goals requires providing rangers with the resources, infrastructure and tools they desperately need. His message expressed deep respect for the thousands of rangers who face enormous risks every day and are staunch guardians of our planet’s biodiversity and natural wonders.
“Every year we are reminded of the dedication, commitment and resilience it takes to be an African ranger. This year is no different and those being honored today are some of the best working in seven different countries across the continent. We are honored to call them our colleagues and being able to bring their work to the public. It is particularly exciting to be able to honor the marine rangers who do such inspiring work in our oceans and coastlines to protect our marine resources this year. Well done to the winners, runners-up and nominees of the 2016 Africa Conservation Awards! Thank you for all you do for our planet and its people.” – Andrew Campbell, CEO of Africa Rangers!
The Africa Conservation Awards are organized annually by the Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA) and recognized by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment. His Royal Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco is committed to protecting endangered species through the support of his foundation and is patron of the Africa Conservation Prize.
For more information about the African Conservation Awards, please visit https://apo-opa.co/4eD5JFr.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the African Rangers Association.
Media contact information:
african rangers association
Louise de Bruin
e-mail: info@gameranger.org
GRAA background:
The Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1970 to provide support, network and representation to rangers across Africa. GRAA is a proud member of the International Federation of Rangers (IRF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), where it is the voice of African rangers.
information:
African Conservation Award: https://www.ConservationAwards.africa
African Rangers Association: https://www.GameRanger.org/
