“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.