NOMINATIONS for the annual Kudu Awards organised by the South African National Parks (SANParks) are now open.

The awards aim to recognise external stakeholders for their contributions and efforts in making SANParks the custodian of choice for the national parks system in South Africa. “It aims at enhancing equitable and sustainable relationships with various external communities with a particular caring interest to the national parks of our country and conservation of our natural heritage in general,” says SANParks chief executive, David Mabunda. The awards will be made in four different categories. The first being the Corporate Contribution to Conservation Award, which recognises organisations, companies, and persons that have made significant contributions to conservation, whether through the awarding of land, funds, human resources or having entered into a business relationship with SANParks. The second award category is the Environmental Media Contribution to Conservation, which is presented to conservation, environmental journalists, and media entities that have been considered to have conducted their reporting in a socially responsible manner and have also given extensive and balanced reporting on conservation related matters. 
  The third category looks at the Community Contribution to Conservation. This award is given to an individual, group, or project that has advanced the cause of sustainable conservation of our biodiversity and cultural heritage.
 
The last category is Environmental Education/Capacity Building award. This award is given to an educator or group of educators who have contributed to educational programmes that further the conservation of our biodiversity and cultural heritage. Members of the public are invited to submit their nominations within the above categories by March 31.