The three Rwandan awardees are Leonidas Mpumuje, Head Rhino Monitor of Akagera National Park, Anthony Nzuki, Ranger Post Leader of Akagera National Park and Jean Nepomuscene Musekura, a ranger in Volcanoes National Park.
The African Ranger Awards program recognizes park rangers for their extraordinary contribution to the protection of Africa’s wildlife and conservation areas.
The award was initiated by Jack Ma, the Executive Chairman of Alibaba Group through the Paradise Foundation, an environmental conservation organization that he founded two years ago.
An international panel of judges reviewed 115 nominees from 17 African countries. The award criteria included the nominee’s dedication, contribution, threats and challenges overcome, as well as leadership and inspiration.
Commenting on the winners, Jack Ma said he is deeply moved and inspired by the rangers’ sacrifices and expressed optimism that more people will pay attention to rangers, wildlife preservation, and preservation of the natural environment.
RDB Chief Tourism Officer, Belise Kariza has in a statement appreciated rangers and Paradise Foundation for recognizing their conservation efforts.
“Without the hard work and dedication that our rangers show, the positive progress that Rwanda has shown both in conversation and sustainable tourism would be impossible. They are at the forefront of conservation and that is why we appreciate the Paradise Foundation for recognizing African rangers and their important role,” she noted.
The 2019 African Ranger Awards will take place in Accra, Ghana on 15th November.
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