Taking Conservation Into a New Era

PRETORIA, South Africa – 29 November 2024: Defender has today announced an extension to its enduring partnership with leading conservation charity Tusk. The commitment, which builds on almost 20 years of collaboration, will see Defender significantly increase its support with enhanced vehicle provision and grant funding to new flagship projects.

The renewed partnership will support six of Tusk’s project partners; the first three are with Save the Rhino Trust in Namibia, Wild Entrust in Botswana and Vulpro in South Africa. This new approach enables Defender and Tusk to work hand-in-hand to deliver progressive and inclusive community driven solutions to protect biodiversity and endangered species across the African continent.

Mark Cameron, Managing Director of Defender, said: “We have been proud partners of Tusk for almost 20 years and in that time the challenges being faced by wildlife and communities in Africa have grown in breadth and complexity. This is why we’ve designed an enhanced programme of support, which will provide local experts and communities with the tools and funding needed to accelerate their work.

“The Defender brand, its vehicles and culture of technological innovation are perfectly placed to help teams continue their tireless work on the ground; navigating vast and challenging landscapes to support the species, habitats and communities that need it most.”

The new project partners were selected based on a range of criteria all focused on driving impact, embracing the unstoppable spirit of Defender and utilising the capabilities of Defender vehicles. Over the next three years, the flagship projects will undertake a range of critical conservation activities including; surveying, tracking, rescuing and rehabilitating endangered species and protecting vital habitat and biodiversity. Alongside this, they will also support education and community engagement, both critical elements in securing the long-term protection and advocacy of wildlife and the ecosystems on which they rely.

In addition to funding six new flagship projects, Defender will also support Tusk’s Wildlife Ranger Challenge, an annual celebration of solidarity, connection and camaraderie for the Wildlife Ranger profession.  Racing across Africa’s protected areas, wildlife rangers unite around a common goal: to raise vital funds for frontline conservation efforts. Since its inception the challenge has supported 11,500 rangers, protecting 45 endangered species and 36,678,540 hectares of land each year. This year will see the overall campaign exceed $21m raised since July 2020. Defender will champion the work of rangers, who are the at frontline of the fight to protect Africa’s wildlife.

Nick Bubb, CEO of Tusk, said: “Our partnership with Defender continues to go from strength to strength. Building on the solid foundations of almost 20 years of collaboration, we are entering a new and exciting era.

“Our joint approach to accelerate the impact of African-driven conservation agenda across Africa puts communities at the heart of our mission. This, combined with project funding and vehicle support, will help Tusk to continue to drive positive and lasting change and will make an immeasurable difference to our project partners, as they continue their tireless work to protect African wildlife and habitats.”

Defender will continue with its longstanding support of the annual Lewa marathon; one of the world’s most breathtaking and challenging endurance races. The brand will remain a proud partner of the annual Tusk Awards, which celebrate individuals who are unstoppable in their pursuit of protecting one of the world’s most important and diverse ecosystems.

The 2024 winner of the Defender supported ‘Conservation in Africa’ award, crowned at the Tusk Awards on 27 November, is Edward Aruna, Founder of the Reptile and Amphibian Programme in Sierra Leone. Aruna is a passionate and undaunted trailblazer advocating for marine turtle species that are facing threats including accidental by-catch, sand mining, ornamental use, and loss of nesting beaches due to erosion and weak laws protecting wildlife. Key to this work is the effective monitoring of nesting beaches and bycatches.  In 2023 alone, Aruna’s team recorded 110 sea turtle nests in 18 communities, and 3,652 live hatchlings. His leadership, determination and success with on the ground conservation and outreach, and education activities with coastal communities and fisherman have galvanised the national government into more interest and involvement with marine turtle conservation.