Conservationist Nat Geo Explorer of the Year

KENYAN wildlife conservationist Dr Paula Kahumbu has been awarded the Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year award for her work in the protection of elephants.

A statement released by National Geographic said Kahumbu, who is the CEO of WildlifeDirect, leads the Hands Off Our Elephants campaign with Kenya’s First Lady, Margaret Kenyatta, and received a special commendation from the UN for her role in creating awareness around the crisis facing the elephant population in the country.

“Each year, the National Geographic Society recognises trailblazers whose commitment to innovation and excellence are making astonishing contributions in the fields of science, conservation, education, technology and storytelling,” it said. “This year’s award recipients have defined some of the critical challenges of our time, driven new knowledge, advanced cutting-edge solutions and inspired transformative and global change.”

Kahumbu holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in ecology from Princeton University and received the presidential award and title of Order of the Grand Warrior in 2015.

“This is a huge honour that I never dreamed I could attain ... As a child, my heroes were people who protected wildlife,” Kahumbu said.