Rahima Njaidi, of Tanzania’s only community-led forestry organisation, will be honoured this week, at the Tusk Conservation Awards.
Njaidi is the founder of MJUMITA, to give rural communities a voice in managing and protecting natural resources.
The Prince of Wales is expected to celebrate the achievements of MJUMITA and other leading African conservationists on Wednesday 26th November.
Prince William has been part of the event, since 2013.
Organisers of the event said Njaidi will be honoured for her transformative leadership, her tireless advocacy for land rights and gender equality, and her pioneering work to secure the future of Tanzania’s forests through people-led conservation.
Her work with community volunteers, stretches across close to two million hectares of forest land.
She advocates for the establishment of village land-use plans and develops sustainable livelihoods that reduce deforestation.
MJUMITA’s network also empowers women and indigenous communities to play active roles in decision-making.
“This recognition is not just mine. It belongs to the local communities I serve, the women rising in leadership, and the forests that continue to give us life. It reminds me that even the quiet, grassroots work we do in remote villages, under trees, matters” said humble Njaidi.
Since inception, 61 winners have received over £2 million in grants for their organisation, enabling them to scale their work and collectively improve protection for over 60 species.
Picture: Organizers