SANParks names Kudu Awards 2009 Finalists
04. Jun, 2009
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The finalists in the 2009 Kudu Awards programme, organized by South African National Parks (SANParks) have been announced. The Kudu Awards, running for the fifth year, recognizes external stakeholders for their contributions and efforts to conservation as well their assistance in making SANParks a premier conservation agency in South Africa. “It aims at enhancing equitable and sustainable relationships with various external communities with a particular caring interest to the national parks of our country,” said SANParks Chief Executive Dr David Mabunda.
A record number of 32 category entries were received this year.
Dr Mabunda said a total of 19 individuals, companies, journalists and media institutions made it to the finalists.
He said SANParks has seen good interest from members of the public in the last few years. “This shows that there is a lot of passion for our parks from our patrons and all have a need to be recognised as the best in the conservation of our biodiversity.”
“It is for this reason that we need to celebrate these achievements by paying tribute to those who worked effortlessly in putting our parks on the forefront of conservation.”
In the category Corporate Contribution to Conservation Award the finalists are Professor Kevin Rogers of University of Witwatersrand and Sharon Pollard also of the University of Witwatersrand. This category recognizes organizations/companies/person that has made significant contributions to conservation, whether through the awarding of land, funds, and human resources or has entered into business relationship with SANParks. This award comprises of sets of awards: Business Partner of the Year, Individual Contribution, and Corporate Contribution – Profit Making Institutions as well as Corporate Contribution – Non Profit Making Institution.
The Environmental Media Contribution to Conservation finalists are Michelle Garforth-Venter of Ezinkulu Productions and Tony Carnie of Independent Newspapers in Kwa-Zulu Natal – this award is presented conservation/environmental journalists that have been considered to have conducted their reporting in a socially responsible manner and have also given extensive and balanced reporting on conservation related matters. The award consists of two sets of categories: Best Journalist (Across of All Media) and Best Publication/Programme/Website.
The third category with the following finalists Morokweng Seedling in Taung, North West and Outeniqua Eco-Hives in the Garden Route National Park looked at the Community Contribution to Conservation – this award is given to an individual/group/project that has advanced the cause of sustainable conservation of our biodiversity and cultural heritage. There are also two sets awards in this category: Community Contributor to Conservation and the Honorary Ranger of the Year.
The last category is Environmental Education/Capacity Building award and the finalist is Mr. EM Mokatsane from Kroonstad – this award shall be given to an educator/group of educators who have contributed to educational programmes that further the conservation of our biodiversity and cultural heritage.
The winners will receive their awards at a ceremony to be held at Gallagher Estates on 25 June 2009.
My name is Muzi Mohale a full-time travel blogger, your host at Travelwires.com responsible for all editorial on this blog. I blog about the travel and tourism industry in Africa. Apart from blogging about tourism, I also run 
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