African Conservation Awards 2025- partners in the spotlight!
At this year’s African Conservation Awards, the spotlight shone on the courage, skill, and dedication of rangers across the continent. Among the remarkable rangers recognised were some of Thin Green Line’s project partners, whose daily commitment to protecting wildlife and communities has now been acknowledged as setting a benchmark across Africa. For many rangers, this kind of recognition is rare – their work is often unseen, yet it is essential for the health of our communities and ecosystems.
In the category of Best Ranger Team, two of Thin Green Line’s partners were recognised. Mount Kenya Trust (MKT) were awarded second runner up. This commendation highlights Mount Kenya Trust’s incredible efforts to protect the Mount Kenya ecosystem, which provides a source of water for 3.5 million people. The MKT team takes a holistic approach to conservation with programs that benefit people, forests, wildlife and water. For families living around Mount Kenya, the work of MKT rangers means reliable water, safer forests and healthier, more sustainable farming practices. Thin Green Line has partnered with MKT for several years, supporting their efforts through equipment grants, participation in our LEAD Ranger training program, and currently through support of their Junior Ranger program, which empowers rangers to engage with local children and deliver environmental education.
A second TGL partner, Conservation South Luangwa (CSL), based in Zambia’s Eastern province, took home first place in the Best Ranger Team category for the efforts of their Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) Quick Reaction Force, who work tirelessly to combat wildlife crime. In 2024 alone, this team carried out 485 operations and were responsible for 83% of firearms confiscated in Zambia, meaning safer patrols for rangers and the wildlife they strive to protect. CSL was also commended as the first runner up in the Best Ranger Supporter category which, recognises their commitment to the wellbeing and resourcing of their ranger teams, ensuring they are appropriately trained and equipped for the hazards of their dangerous jobs. Thin Green Line was proud to support the CSL team earlier this year – filling a gap left by US funding cuts – by providing critical patrol equipment.
In addition to recognition for TGL’s longstanding partners, Ranger Alain Mukiranya from the Democratic Republic of Congo was awarded first place in the Best Ranger Supporter category. This follows Alain’s unwavering commitment to the team at Maiko National Park in the past year, during a significant period of unrest for the region.
“When armed conflict reached Maiko National Park, many were ready to flee. Ranger Alain Mukiranya did the opposite … regroup[ing] his team, [to] defend the park, and protect Grauer’s gorillas, okapi, and elephants. His courage and calm leadership kept rangers united and operations running under fire. Alain is a true leader in crisis, proving that service above self is at the heart of conservation.” – Game Rangers Association of Africa
Thin Green Line was proud to support Alain’s attendance at the 2024 World Ranger Congress, where we met for the first time and had the opportunity to learn more about his work. We soon learned that Alain will take every opportunity to advocate for his team, sharing the challenges that they face and speaking up for the support they need. We’re thrilled to see a young conservationist like Alain being recognised for his role in conservation and ranger welfare.
The Thin Green Line Foundation would like to express our congratulations and deep gratitude to all nominees and finalists of the 2025 African Conservation Awards. The courage and unwavering dedication shown by these rangers is truly inspiring and fills us with hope, knowing that the future of conservation is in the right hands.
To our readers, we invite you to stand with rangers like these – because their fight for wildlife is also a fight for our collective future.
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