Britain’s Prince William Honors Kenyan Conservationist with Sh8.3 Million Award

Kenyan grassroots conservation leader John Kamanga has been announced as the winner of the 2020 Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa.

Kamanga, the founder and director of South Rift Association of Land Owners (SORALO), was named the winner of the prestigious award by Britain’s Prince William—the Duke of Cambridge—in a ceremony held virtually on Thursday.

He emerged the winner after defeating two other finalists Uganda’s George Owoyesigire and Ian Stevenson of Zambia.

“John has dedicated his career to developing a vision for the co-existence of pastoralist communities and wildlife," the Tusk organization stated.

Kamanga will receive a grant of Sh8.3 million to support his efforts in the conservation of wildlife in Kenya.

“I am grateful that I have come this far. We have people out in the world who are watching and the little things that we do, come to be appreciated and that the effort that we are making, saves our wildlife and world space,” Kamanga stated. 

His organization, SORALO represents 16 Maasai communities in Kenya in conservation efforts.

The Tusk Award was established by Prince William in 2013 to celebrate the achievements of people working to protect Africa's natural heritage.