LONDON, October 17, 2024 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/- A Nigerian pangolin protector, a Congolese environmentalist and a Kenyan boat builder using recycled plastics are among nine winners recognized by the International Fund for Animal Protection (IFAW) for their contribution to the conservation and protection of animals.
Presented each year, the prestigious Animal Action Awards highlight the unsung heroes working to protect animals around the world. The 24th edition of the awards ceremony, held at BAFTA in London, will be presented by Hamza Yassin, Sudanese presenter and cameraman, known for BBC shows such as Countryfile, Strictly Come Dancing and Hamza: Strictly Birds of Prey.
The winners from the African continent this year are:
- Charles Emogora scientist from Nigeria dedicated to protecting the pangolin, a scaly mammal considered the most trafficked animal in the world. A PhD student at the University of Cambridge, his interventions aim to change the behavior of poachers, schoolchildren, regional leaders and local communities in Cross River State, Nigeria, to protect the white-bellied pangolin.
- People Purposewho works tirelessly to defend the wildlife around the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, even facing situations at the risk of his life in the face of armed poachers. Bantu has included being buried alive for two days, rescuing baby gorillas, mobilizing communities to prevent oil exploration in the region, and creating a fund to raise awareness of environmental crimes.
- Rudi Van Aardeoriginally from South Africa, who unfortunately passed away last year, receives the “Lifetime Achievement Award” posthumously. He has worked to understand the dynamics of elephant populations in southern Africa, which is home to 80% of Africa’s elephants. His legacy lives on through his pioneering science-based research to guide pachyderm conservation decisions and which helped establish a model for regional elephant population management implemented in Zimbabwe, Kenya, Zambia and in Malawi.
The Flipflopi project receives the “Innovation of the Year” award. This innovative project combines the reuse of plastic waste with the art of traditional boat building to combat plastic pollution, with the world’s first dhow (sailing boat) made from recycled plastic. The boat, mainly made from used beach sandals, travels the seas and raises awareness among coastal communities on the east coast of Africa about alternative uses for plastic waste.
According to Azzedine Downes, Executive Director of IFAW: “The Animal Action Awards provide us with a unique opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of conservationists and animal rescuers across the world. Every year, inspiring stories emerge, illustrating the unwavering commitment of people whose passion for species conservation embodies a deep sense of responsibility and ensures positive, lasting impact for animals, humans and this planet that is our home . »
Winners will receive their awards at the prestigious IFAW Animal Action Awards ceremony at BAFTA, London on October 17.
Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of IFAW.
Notes to editors
The winners were nominated by the general public. This year, more than 650 nominations, from 29 countries, were received. After a review and shortlisting process, 9 winners were selected from around the world to receive one of the Animal Action Awards.
HD photos available here:
Photos and videos of the Animal Action Awards ceremony will be available on request following the event.
Contacts presse
Kirsty Warren, IFAW UK – [email protected] ;
Aurore Lepastourel, IFAW France – [email protected] ;
Julius Odera, press service – [email protected]
About IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)
IFAW is a non-profit organization that works to promote harmonious cohabitation between animals and people. Working with experts and citizens in more than 40 countries, we rescue, care for and release animals, while restoring and protecting their natural habitats. The problems before us are urgent and complex. To solve them, we are taking a fresh look and taking bold action. In partnership with local communities, governments, non-governmental organizations and businesses, we use innovative methods to enable all species to thrive. To learn more, visit ifaw.org.
Source : African Media Agency (AMA)
2024-10-17 08:49:00
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