Charlie Mayhew, MBE CEO, Tusk Trust
Looking to the future of conservation It has been a challenging year for us all, but one in which I hope humanity has finally realised that protecting the natural world, including our oceans, is not only essential for the planet, but our own health and well-being too.
Like all organisations Tusk had to adapt fast to the crisis. However, I am proud to report that we have been able to respond to the unfolding conservation crisis with record funding; not only in support to our existing partners, but through emergency grants to an extensive list of protected areas where the economic impact of Covid-19 and loss of tourism continues to threaten the livelihoods of thousands of rangers and the protection of vast landscapes. Last year saw a flurry of virtual events emerge as the new fundraising vehicles. Our own ‘virtual’ staging of the Lewa Safari Marathon saw world record-holder Eliud Kipchoge run the famous Kenyan course socially-distanced with a team of Lewa’s rangers. Meanwhile over 2,000 supporters ran in solidarity around the world in their parks, streets or surrounding countryside to help us raise over $300,000 in spite of the global lockdown (page 15). Spurred on by this success and a generous pledge of $5m from The Scheinberg Relief Fund, we launched an even more ambitious challenge to raise funds to protect the jobs of those working on conservation’s frontline. In partnership with US charity, NATURAL STATE, we established the Wildlife Ranger Challenge – an initiative that culminated in rangers from over 100 protected areas competing in a virtual half marathon wherever they were in Africa. The outcome was extraordinary. Not only were we able to secure $10m in funding to support almost 10,000 rangers, we created a proud movement of wildlife rangers and engendered a camaraderie amongst those who could see that they were certainly not alone in their efforts (page 19).
Tusk Talk | 2021 Magazine
There were many highlights to our work in 2020. In this edition, we not only highlight the impact of Covid-19, but take an important look to the future of conservation.
Left Lewa Downs Lioness Credit: David Yarrow Above Charlie Mayhew MBE Credit: Land Rover
We also report on the successes of our partner projects and look at the remarkable achievements of our 2020 Tusk Award winners and finalists. I am particularly pleased that thanks to a £1million commitment by The Nick Maughan Foundation over the next five years, we have been able to significantly increase the grants that accompany the awards. Every year the men and women who win these prestigious awards provide us with real hope - showing that it is not only possible, but absolutely vital we protect Africa’s rich natural heritage. This year has become the crucial ‘Super Year’ for conservation as governments gather to set important new targets for protecting the planet’s rapidly declining biodiversity and, in November, the UK plays host to the much-anticipated CoP26 on tackling climate change. Our sincere hope is that world leaders will take the necessary steps and firmly place the environment, oceans, wildlife and nature at the top of the political agenda. We cannot do any of the work we do without your support. The impact of Covid-19 on conservation efforts has been great. Last year you responded so generously to our appeal and helped our partner projects weather the initial storm. However, these projects now face perhaps their greatest challenge to date - mounting a recovery in the face of social and economic crises. The pandemic’s harsh legacy will continue for many years to come and I hope you will continue to be as generous as you can to contribute to our Recovery Appeal. Thank you.
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