Land Rover sponsors 2014 Tusk Conservation Award

Land Rover has announced that it will be sponsoring The 2014 Tusk Conservation Award, which recognises up-and-coming conservationists whose work has already demonstrated an exceptional commitment to conservation.

This work can take place within the spheres of protecting endangered species or threatened habitat, promotion of environmental education and the development of community-driven conservation. The award winner will be presented with a grant of £15,000.

Last year's winner, Tom Lalampaa, said: "The award has been well received in Kenya by everyone from the British High Commission to the village elders in the communities I work with. The award was not about me, it was about the incredible people I work with and the Northern Rangelands Trust.

"I was extremely inspired by the work of my fellow finalists last year and I applaud their commitments and achievements. I hope these awards will continue to inspire a new generation of future Conservation leaders in Africa and across the world".

The shortlisted nominees for the 2014 Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa are as follows:

Amy Dickman (Tanzania)

Amy has achieved vital conservation successes in one of Africa's most carnivore-rich environments by working alongside local communities to reduce intense conflict with the region's lion population; see www.ruahacarnivoreproject.com.

David Kuria (Kenya)

David is a true grassroots conservationist, say the Award organisers, having created and steered The Kijabe Environment Volunteers (KENVO), a community-based forum, over the past decade; see www.kenvokenya.com

Herizo Andrianandrasana (Madagascar)

Herizo is a driving force behind the integration of local people into conservation management and monitoring in Madagascar and leads programmes across seven globally important conservation areas, four forest and three wetland sites, with a combined surface area of 3,500 km2; see www.durrell.org/conservation/regions/madagascar/madagascar--comoros-team/

Mark Cameron, Jaguar Land Rover Global Brand Experience Director, said: "Land Rover is proud to be sponsoring the Conservation Award, now in its second year. The nominees determination and endeavour reflects the ethos that sits at the heart of the Land Rover brand of going Above and Beyond.

"Having seen how each individual has contributed to conservation is truly inspiring, I hope these awards continue to recognise and reward these efforts so that conservation continues to grow in strength across Africa".

Land Rover's collaboration with Tusk started fifteen years ago, when they first supported the Lewa Marathon in Kenya. The Trust has also been supported with several Land Rover vehicles which are in constant use supporting the Trust's work across Africa.

"The sponsorship is continuing from the inaugural Tusk Conservation Awards in 2013, presented in London by the charity's Royal Patron HRH The Duke of Cambridge.

"Tusk and Land Rover have enjoyed a longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship in Africa, where their vehicles have become the reliable 'work-horses' of many of our projects", said Charles Mayhew, founder and CEO, Tusk Trust.