The 2025 African Conservation Awards, hosted by the Game Rangers’ Association of Africa (GRAA), once again provided the platform to honour the extraordinary work of Africa’s rangers and conservationists. It is the GRAA’s privilege to showcase these exceptional contributions that safeguard Africa’s natural heritage.

The Awards remind us of our ongoing responsibility to rangers across the continent - many of whom face immense challenges, from limited resources to dangerous working conditions. Every individual and organisation recognised in 2025 has shown remarkable resilience, leadership, and dedication to their mission. Their stories inspire us all and reaffirm that rangers deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated for the sacrifices they make and the impact they create.

The Winners for the 2025 African Conservation Awards are:

BEST FIELD RANGER

2^nd Runner Up: Emmanuel Bahati (DRC)
Protecting wildlife in one of the world’s most challenging environments.
At Kahuzi-Biega National Park, DRC, eco-guard Emmanuel Bahati has led 835 patrols, reduced illegal activities by 30%, and trained 117 new rangers—all while facing armed groups and insecurity. He also engages over 800 community members in conservation, proving that resilience and commitment can make a difference, even in the toughest conditions.

1^st Runner Up: Maureen Mulenga (Zambia)
Meet Maureen Mulenga: a true conservation trailblazer.
Over 20 years, she’s spent more than 4,000 days on patrol in South Luangwa, Zambia—first in law enforcement and now in the Human-Wildlife Conflict Rapid Response Unit. Thanks to her courage and leadership, elephant conflict killings have dropped by 50%, and human fatalities by 75%. A mother of three, marathon runner, and ranger role model, Maureen shows that strength and compassion can transform conservation.

Winner: Kapuna Lepale (Kenya)
From poacher to protector.
After 15 years as a skilled poacher, Kapuna Lepale laid down his arms in 2001 and joined Lewa Wildlife Conservancy as a ranger. For 23 years, he has been one of Lewa’s most effective anti-poaching rangers, using his deep knowledge of poaching tactics to safeguard elephants and rhinos. Today, Kapuna is a mentor, leader, and trusted voice in his community—proof of the power of second chances in conservation.

BEST MARINE RANGER

Myong Cham Kandolo Victoir (DRC)
Mangroves are nurseries of the sea—and Ranger Myong Cham Kandolo Victoir is their guardian. At the Mangrove Marine Park, DRC, he led patrols covering 700 km of mangroves and 32 km of coastline, cutting sea turtle poaching by 70% and mangrove logging by 40%. He also spearheaded the planting of 320,000 new mangrove trees and launched a community monitoring app that empowers fishermen to report threats directly. Myong’s work shows how marine conservation thrives when rangers and communities work together.

BEST RANGER TEAM

2^nd Runner Up: Mount Kenya Rangers (Kenya)
Guardians of a mountain and its people.
For 17 years, the Mount Kenya Trust rangers have protected one of Africa’s most vital ecosystems—a water source for 3.5 million people. With 42 rangers across six teams, they restore forests, fight wildfires, protect elephants, and help communities live alongside wildlife. Their work keeps ecosystems healthy and ensures safe passage for over 2,000 elephants every year.

1^st Runner Up: Munywana Conservancy Rangers (South Africa)
Where people and wildlife thrive together.
The Munywana Conservancy in KwaZulu-Natal is home to rhino, cheetah, pangolin, and lion—and its ranger team of 12 is at the heart of this success. From restoring degraded farmland to protecting endangered species, they have helped reintroduce cheetah across Africa and supported thousands of local livelihoods. Conservation here is not just about land and wildlife—it’s about people, too.

Winner: CSL-DNPW Quick Reaction Force (Zambia)
Fast, skilled, and effective.
South Luangwa’s Quick Reaction Force (QRF) is Zambia’s frontline against wildlife crime. In 2024 alone, they carried out 485 operations—responsible for 72% of arrests and 83% of firearms confiscated. Trusted not just by conservationists but also by local communities, the QRF is proof that well-trained ranger units save both wildlife and livelihoods.

BEST RANGER SUPPORTER

2^nd Runner Up: Zululand Conservation Trust (South Africa)
Behind every ranger is a support system—and in Manyoni Private Game Reserve, that system is the Zululand Conservation Trust. Over the past year, their backing has enabled the removal of 105 snares, funded critical veterinary interventions, and provided firearm and K9 training for rangers. Their innovative Fence Guardianship Program now employs local community members to safeguard boundaries. By empowering rangers and communities, ZCT strengthens both security and conservation for the future.

1^st Runner Up: Conservation South Luangwa (Zambia)
Conservation South Luangwa (CSL) is more than an NGO—it’s a lifeline for rangers in Zambia’s South Luangwa. From K9 anti-trafficking units and rapid response teams to ranger wellness and mental health support, CSL ensures rangers are trained, equipped, and cared for. Their work has reduced human-wildlife conflict, supported the recovery of endangered species, and built lasting community trust. CSL sets the benchmark for ranger support excellence across Africa.

Winner: Alain Mukiranya (DRC)
When armed conflict reached Maiko National Park, many were ready to flee. Ranger Alain Mukiranya did the opposite—leaving his family behind in a city under siege to regroup his team, 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.

Rangers received an inspiring message from the Awards’ Patron, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, who remains committed to the protection of endangered species through the support of his Foundation.

“Each year, the Awards remind us of the extraordinary courage and perseverance it takes to be a ranger in Africa. The 2025 finalists and winners have shown exceptional leadership and commitment in safeguarding our wildlife, communities, and ecosystems. We are honoured to celebrate their achievements and to stand alongside them as colleagues in this vital mission. Well done to the winners, runner ups, and nominees of the African Conservation Awards 2025. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your unwavering dedication to Africa’s people and biodiversity.”
– Louise de Bruin, CEO, Game Rangers Association of Africa.

GRAA background:

The Game Rangers' Association of Africa (GRAA) is a non-profit organisation, founded in 1970 which provides support, networks and representation for rangers across Africa. The GRAA is a proud member of the International Ranger Federation (IRF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) where it serves as the voice of the African ranger.