African conservationists working to protect wildlife, preserve habitats and bring local communities into conservation have been recognised at the 2026 Tusk Conservation Awards in London.
The awards, held annually by the UK-based conservation charity Tusk, honour people whose work protecting Africa’s biodiversity often receives little public attention, with a focus on local initiatives and those working on the ground.
This year’s ceremony took place on 11 November at Raffles London at The OWO. Prince William, Tusk’s Royal Patron, presented the awards, while natural history broadcaster Liz Bonnin hosted.
The awards
The awards were established in 2013 in partnership with investment manager Ninety One and in conjunction with the then Prince of Wales.
They have grown into a platform for recognising conservation leadership across the continent. Winners receive grants for their organisations to support ongoing conservation work.
The awards are supported by corporate and philanthropic backers, including Ninety One, Defender, the Nick Maughan Foundation, DHL, ISPS Handa, Fortemus Films, Jack Morton, Justerini & Brooks, Patrick Mavros and The View from The Shard.
Ahead of this year’s ceremony, organisers said 61 winners and finalists from 23 African countries had been recognised since the awards began.
Conservation in Africa increasingly depends on the people who live alongside wildlife and within important ecosystems. From protecting endangered species and habitats to confronting poaching, local conservationists are central to sustaining that work.
Calls for continued support
Addressing the winners, Prince William called for continued support, noting that communities most affected by climate change are also among those protecting the environment.
“It is critical that we continue to support the vital work being spotlighted here this evening. We cannot forget that those who are among the most impacted by our changing climate are also at the forefront of protecting it,” he said.
Charlie Mayhew, Tusk’s president and chief executive, said the awards recognise people working in increasingly difficult circumstances to protect threatened species and vital habitats.
“Their achievements are a powerful reminder that meaningful conservation is driven by local leadership and long-term dedication,” he said.
Hendrik du Toit, founder and chief executive of Ninety One, said this year’s winners and finalists showed the expertise and determination needed to protect Africa’s natural heritage.
He also pointed to the link between biodiversity and the communities whose futures depend on it.
The 2026 winners
Three conservationists were recognised this year for their contributions to wildlife protection and conservation leadership.
Dr Colleen Begg, co-founder and managing director of the Niassa Carnivore Project in Mozambique, received the Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa, sponsored by Ninety One. She was recognised for more than 30 years of conservation work, including efforts to protect large carnivores and build partnerships with communities in Mozambique’s Niassa Special Reserve.
Raabia Hawa, founder and director of the Ulinzi Africa Foundation in Kenya, received the Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa, sponsored by Defender. Her organisation works to protect wildlife and ecosystems in the Tana Delta-Lamu landscape, combining ranger patrols with community engagement and legal action against activities that threaten the environment.
Daniel Yiankere, security manager at Loisaba Conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya, won the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award, sponsored by the Nick Maughan Foundation. He has more than 30 years of experience in wildlife protection and has played a role in Loisaba’s anti-poaching work and the reintroduction of critically endangered eastern black rhinos to the conservancy.
The grants accompanying the awards are directed to the winners’ organisations to help sustain their conservation efforts.
