The winner of the first ever Esmond B Martin Royal Geographical Society Prize has been announced as Dr Paula Kahumbu.
Paula is an inspiring biologist and ecologist from Kenya, working to not only conserve wildlife, but also to encourage Africans to become the primary storytellers about African wildlife. The Prize marks and celebrates the legacy of geographer and conservationist Esmond Bradley Martin, whose generous bequest created it.
For over 35 years, Paula has shown outstanding achievements in the application of innovative conservation practice, knowledge and education, with far reaching impact across Africa. Her vision is to change the narrative, so Africans become the future of community conservation.
Currently CEO of WildlifeDirect, a Nairobi-based environmental NGO, Paula is the producer and presenter of Wildlife Warriors, Africa’s first wildlife documentary series made by Africans, which seeks to transform the conservation literacy in Africa by shining a light on the continent’s front-line conservationists and their work.
On being awarded the Prize, Paula said: “Like many conservationists, I admired Esmond deeply for his commitment to uncovering the details of the global ivory trade. Receiving this award is hugely humbling and I hope that I live up to his legacy.”
The Society’s President and Chair of the awarding panel, Nigel Clifford, said: “Esmond was a long-time supporter of the Society, and we are honoured to be able to continue his legacy by celebrating outstanding achievements in wildlife conservation by others following in his footsteps. Paula’s leadership, pioneering conservation work and inspiration as a role model for future conservation leaders in Africa make her an impressive recipient of the inaugural Prize.”
The award was presented at the Society’s Monday night lecture on 3rd April 2023. The lecture, chaired by Gillian Burke and with panellists Dr Chris Thouless, Professor Bhaskar Vira and Dr Lucy Vigne, explored Esmond’s conviction that data are essential to wildlife protection.
About the Prize and Esmond Bradley Martin: The Esmond B. Martin Royal Geographical Society Prize was created thanks to a generous bequest to the Society by the renowned geographer and conservationist, Esmond Bradley Martin, following his untimely death. The Prize recognises outstanding achievement by individuals undertaking research into wildlife conservation and environmental studies, reflecting Esmond’s tireless work for the protection of wildlife and our natural environment. Esmond dedicated his life’s work to the investigation of the illegal trade in rhino products and ivory, and to efforts to end their use. He was United Nations Special Envoy for Rhinos in 1992-1993, and subsequently worked in dangerous markets monitoring the illegal trade in wildlife commodities. His pioneering work helped China to ban their domestic rhino horn trade in 1993 and their ivory trade in 2017. Esmond championed the importance of data for wildlife protection and undertook extensive fieldwork investigating the illegal trade in rhino horn and ivory – providing countries with the data required to shut down illegal markets. He believed that through a combination of strong governance, robust law enforcement and effective management, the long-term protection of wild populations of rhinos, elephants and other species, as well as their natural habitats in Africa and Asia, could be realised.
The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) is the learned society and professional body for geography. Formed in 1830, its Royal Charter of 1859 is for ‘the advancement of geographical science’. Today, it delivers this objective through developing, supporting and promoting geographical research, expeditions and fieldwork, education, public engagement, and geography input to policy. It aims to foster an understanding and informed enjoyment of our world. It holds the world’s largest private geographical collection and provides public access to it. For more visit www.rgs.org
Our World in Pictures The Animal Book: A Visual Encyclopedia of Life on Earth
£15.99
Discover Animals is a small team dedicated to bringing you the latest conservation and nature news. If you enjoy our content, please support our work with a donation from as little as £1.
