Britain’s Prince William was "humbled" by conservation award winners last night (25.11.14).
The 32-year-old royal – who is a patron of the Tusk Trust animal conservation charity – handed out prizes at the Tusk Convervation Awards at Claridge’s hotel in London and praised the recipients for their "selfless dedication".
He said: "The people we celebrate tonight, the nominees and all those they represent, work in some of the remotest and harshest environments on the continent.
"They regularly put their own lives at risk for the sake of conserving some of Africa’s rarest and most treasured species.
"Their unquestioning, selfless dedication to the cause is humbling, and I pay tribute to all of you.
"The work of this year’s finalists serves to illustrate some of our greatest conservation challenges: dramatic loss of lion; poaching of elephant and rhino; deforestation and the critical need for community involvement."
Richard Bonham was honoured with the Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa for his contribution to safeguarding the wildlife and the Maasai community in Kenya, while Madagascan activist Herizo Andrianandrasana received the Tusk Conservation Award for inspiring people at home to become involved in conservation management.
Richard said: "Recognition is always an amazing thing especially when you’re persevering for years and sometimes think you’re not achieving anything.
"The most important thing is raising awareness to what you’re doing."
During his speech, William – whose wife Duchess Catherine is pregnant with their second child – highlighted the plight of some species in Africa.
He said: "Africa’s elephant population has crashed from 1.3 million in 1979 to approximately just 400,000 today.
"South Africa is currently losing more than three rhino a day to feed demand for rhino horn.
"The African lion is now estimated to be fewer than 25,000, and of course there are numerous lesser known species facing similar or worse fates."
The duke also announced a new award will be given next year to recognise those who tackle illegal poachers.
Prince William humbled at Conservation awards
