2024 Nature Conservation Award Finalists

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Awarded to an organisation for successfully protecting, rehabilitating or mitigating damage to the Earth's biodiversity, eco-systems and/or Earth’s natural resources.

BirdLife South Africa

BirdLife South Africa is a South African-based conservation organisation dedicated to conserving birds and the habitats that they depend upon. Currently the organisation manages conservation projects covering more than 50 of South Africa’s most threatened bird species including vultures which are possibly the most threatened group of all. In response to the high proliferation of lead in the environment, BirdLife South Africa has pioneered work investigating the levels of lead in vultures and is advocating for a shift away from lead ammunition to lead-free alternatives. 

The organisation received the African Eurasian Waterbird Agreement Waterbird Conservation Award for their work on preserving critical wetland habitat vital for the long-term conservation of the Critically Endangered White-winged Flufftail. 

Recently the organisation launched the new Birds and Agrochemicals Project, which will throw much-needed light on the impact of agrochemicals on birds that frequent the country’s agricultural habitats. 

In response to the precipitous population declines being experienced by the African Penguin BirdLife South Africa established a land-based colony at De Hoop Nature Reserve, bringing new hope for the species. 

At sea the organisation works with over 300 fishing vessels and has been directly responsible for the sustained reduction of seabird bycatch, preventing the death of at least 10 000 seabirds annually. 

Together with the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment task teams BirdLife South Africa is working on one of the world’s most important conservation projects, namely the eradication of mice from Marion Island, one of the largest breeding islands for seabirds in the Southern Hemisphere. 

Most importantly the organisation connects with people, working with communities in some of South Africa’s most threatened habitats, assisting them to deal with environmental issues affecting their well-being and livelihoods.

https://birdlife.org.za

Greenpop - Reforest Fest 2025

"Greenpop's Reforest Fest is an annual celebration of restoration, where people come together to plant trees and enjoy a unique celebration over the Easter long weekend.

Active citizens and families gather in the Overberg to restore degraded land, attend workshops and classes. They dance under the stars to South Africa’s top bands and DJs, savour delicious wine and food, experience art and inspiring talks, all while having fun getting active for the environment.

In its 14th year, Reforest Fest returns from April 18th to 21st 2025 to Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat in the Overberg region, a mere 2.5 hours from Cape Town. Over its history, the festival has planted 150,000 indigenous trees, restoring forest habitat and supporting endangered species like the Cape Leopard. Over R10 million has been invested in restoration efforts alone.

Reforest Fest is aiming to grow into Africa's largest citizen-led restoration festival, attracting a global audience to the Overberg.

https://reforestfest.com

Two Oceans Aquarium: Marine Protected Areas Day

In March 2021, some passionate South African organisations formed the MPA Alliance & declared the world’s first Marine Protected Areas Day, to create awareness about these “game reserves of the sea”.

Almost 140 environmental days are celebrated but there are no days to raise the awareness of Marine Protected Areas. .

Few people are aware that the marine environment sustains life on earth. MPA Day aims to introduce people to our marine heritage; to highlight the critical role that the ocean plays in sustaining life & livelihoods of people, by providing economic, cultural & spiritual benefits. MPA Day focuses on protected areas to ensure that our heritage & livelihoods are appropriately managed, for current & future generations.

MPA Day is a day to share stories & information about why & how we need to conserve our ocean & keep building support for MPAs. We hope that MPA Day will help people recognise the important role of MPAs in preserving our oceans for both people & nature.

https://mpaday.org/