Britain's Prince William has called on people across the world to address climate change, protect the environment and conservation, and support communities already suffering.
In a moving speech at the Tusk Conservation Awards in London, the Duke of Cambridge said we “owe it to our children and future generations to act now”, and paid tribute to those risking their lives to protect endangered species in Africa.
“Africa remains on the frontline of conservation, playing host to the most awe-inspiring diversity of fauna and flora," William said.
“The forests and savannahs of this vast continent are a precious form of natural capital. This not only underpins economies and supports biodiversity, but plays a critical function in our battle against climate change.”
He said that after Cop26 in Glasgow last month, “it is clear that we must see the environment, conservation and climate change through the same prism and not in isolation".
“Africa’s extraordinarily rich biodiversity has the ability to sequester vast amounts of carbon, but this is only possible if these landscapes remain truly intact and are protected as functioning eco-systems.
“Our wildlife plays a vital role in keeping nature in balance and maintaining this precious cycle of life.
"If we keep destroying or removing the threads that make up the natural tapestry of life on Earth, it will simply begin to break down, exacerbating climate change still further.”
William, a royal patron of the Tusk Trust since 2005, spoke of the devastating effects of Covid-19 on conservation projects in Africa, where tourism revenue that pays for the work has collapsed.
“Africa has been hard hit, as economies, jobs and livelihoods have been devastated by lockdowns and travel restrictions," he said.
“Many of the Tusk projects I have been lucky enough to visit have been hugely impacted, particularly where there is a dependence on tourism to underpin their conservation work.”
Winners included Simson Uri-Khob, chief executive of Save the Rhino Trust in Namibia, who won the Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa for his work of more than 30 years to save his country’s black rhino population.
Suleiman Saidy, senior game ranger at Yankari Game Reserve in Nigeria, won the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award for his bravery and efforts in cutting rife elephant poaching to only one case since 2015.
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
How to register as a donor
1) Organ donors can register on the Hayat app, run by the Ministry of Health and Prevention
2) There are about 11,000 patients in the country in need of organ transplants
3) People must be over 21. Emiratis and residents can register.
4) The campaign uses the hashtag #donate_hope
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
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Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
