Dr Larry Hansen, and Miss Xiaoyang Yu, founded the Rhino Conservation Awards in 2011 alongside the Game Rangers’ Association of Africa to recognize significant role players involved in rhino conservation in response to the poaching onslaught that Africa’s rhinos were facing.

In 2022 the awards were relaunched as the African Conservation Awards to ensure rangers and conservation supporters working with other species were included. The primary objective of the awards is to give recognition to the leading role players in African conservation and in doing so raise awareness of their amazing work.

Often facing physical danger, political opposition and severe financial constraints, this selfless group of conservationists continue to work to save Africa’s natural heritage. The awards serve to motivate these dedicated men and women to keep fighting to ensure the survival of our wildlife and wild places for the benefit of this and future generations.

The awards are once again made possible with the support of sponsors endorsed by the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment and will be hosted by the Game Rangers’ Association of Africa.

His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, who is committed to the protection of endangered species through the support of his Foundation, is the Patron of the African Conservation Awards.