CapeNature Marine Ranger shines bright at 2024 African Conservation Awards
“I’m overwhelmed and grateful. The fire in my soul has been fueled by this prestigious award!”, says Chanel Hauvette, Senior Marine Ranger at CapeNature’s Robberg Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area and newly crowned winner of the “Best Marine Ranger” category of the 2024 African Conservation Awards.
Hosted by the Game Rangers’ Association of Africa (GRAA), the 2024 African Conservation Awards is an opportunity to celebrate some of the outstanding work done by African conservationists. It is the first time also that Marine Rangers are recognized as a category of the Awards.
Chanel has been recognized for her extraordinary dedication to marine conservation. She manages hundreds of annual strandings, from seals and birds, to endangered turtles and sea horses. Law enforcement, biodiversity monitoring and community engagement are weaved into her daily operations. She is an advocate for strong partnerships with local business, NGOs and residents. Her leadership, innovative protocols, passion for conservation and protection of marine biodiversity is an inspiration to both her colleagues and the local community.
“Marine conservation is my drive, purpose and is a career that defines me! It empowers me to change all the things I care most deeply about –
- people having equitable access to nature,
- undoing some of the worst damages we’ve brought to pass so that wildlife and people can have space to thrive,
- and securing a positive, hopeful future for generations to come.”
Dr Ashley Naidoo, CapeNature CEO congratulated the new ‘Best Marine Ranger” title holder, “CapeNature is very proud of Chanel and the commendable work she does as a senior Marine Ranger. Awards like these shine a light on the selfless and tireless efforts of our rangers to conserve our wildlife amidst a myriad of challenges. Their dedication and commitment are to be celebrated and highlighted and I want to congratulate the GRAA for acknowledging these (often) unsung heroes on our African continent.”
In a poignant video message, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, esteemed Patron of the African Conservation Awards, paid homage to the brave conservation heroes especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. He expressed profound gratitude to these fallen heroes and to all of Africa’s rangers, who selflessly dedicate their lives to protecting our natural spaces. “Every year we are reminded of the dedication, commitment and resilience required to be a ranger in Africa. It is particularly exciting to be recognising Marine Rangers this year who do such inspiring work on our oceans and coastlines to conserve our marine resources.
Related News
A Win for Renosterveld Conservation as Haarwegskloof Declared a Provincial Nature Reserve
In a major victory for biodiversity conservation, Haarwegskloof, which includes the largest remaining connected stretch of renosterveld left on Earth has officially been declared a provincial nature reserve.
The reserve is owned by WWF South Africa and managed by the Overberg Renosterveld Trust (ORT), a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting and restoring the fragile renosterveld ecosystem that once covered large parts of the Overberg.
Damara Trail Wins Silver Award at International Tourism Film Festival Africa 2025
CapeNature is proud to announce that its Damara Trail video series has won the Silver Award in the Tourism – Products category at the prestigious International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) 2025.
CapeNature’s videos stood out for their compelling storytelling, visual excellence, and ability to capture the essence of nature-based tourism in the Western Cape.
“We are incredibly proud that the Damara Trail videos have been recognised on an international platform. This award helps to underline our commitment to sustainable tourism offerings. Much like the Damara Trail itself, the video helps to tell the unique history and story of the Waenhuiskrans area to visitors both far and near,” said Sheraaz Ismail, Executive Director: Eco-Tourism and Access.
Climbing in Rocklands this Season? Here’s What You Need to Know After the Cederberg Fire
The Cederberg, a protected wilderness area managed by CapeNature and home to some of the most iconic climbing and bouldering routes in South Africa, was recently impacted by a wildfire that began on 7 March 2025. The fire ignited near Krakadouw Peak and burned for 13 days, before being fully contained on 20 March. In total, it scorched 20,834 hectares, spanning 97 kilometers of fire line, and included damage to the Rocklands “Bouldering Area” — a popular climbing zone. As a result of the fire, several popular climbing sectors and access routes have been damaged or are temporarily inaccessible.
The Big Biodiversity Challenge is back – Learners Tackle Biodiversity Crisis in Provincial Competition
The Western Cape Environmental Education Friends (WCEEF), together with members CapeNature, SANBI, Nature Connect, SANParks, Working on Fire, the City of Cape Town, The Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa (EEASA) and the Two Oceans Aquarium, is thrilled to announce the return of its successful competition for children in grades 6 – 9.
CapeNature's vision - Protecting biodiversity for a sustainable future
Biodiversity forms the bedrock of life on Earth. It is essential not only for sustaining healthy ecosystems but also for ensuring human wellbeing. Last week, on 22 May, we celebrated International Day for Biological Diversity, to raise awareness, educate, and build understanding around biodiversity issues, while inspiring collective effort to conserve it for future generations.
Task team briefs Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group on progress and way forward
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, hosted its second meeting with the Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group (CPBAG) on 27 May 2025. The Shark Spotters who are implementing selected operational tasks under the banner of the Cape Baboon Partnership, also provided feedback on progress and challenges with the implementation of the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan.
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?