This year’s Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa has been awarded to Edward Aruna in recognition of his commitment to protecting marine turtle species in Sierra Leone through his work with the Reptile and Amphibian Programme. The award recognises an emerging leading conservationist, in recognition of outstanding success in their chosen field. His tireless efforts have had significant national impact, inspiring greater government involvement and interest in marine turtle conservation. Aruna’s leadership and success in conservation and educational initiatives with coastal communities and local fishermen have established him as a pivotal figure in the protection of these endangered species.
ABOUT THE SPECIES & THREATS
Sierra Leone’s Atlantic coastline is home to five species of marine turtles: leatherback, olive ridley, green turtle, loggerhead, and hawksbill. These turtles nest along the Turtle and Sherbro Islands and Turner’s Peninsula, but face numerous threats, including accidental by-catch, sand mining, use of turtle shells for decoration, consumption of turtle meat and eggs, nesting site construction, erosion of nesting beaches, and disturbance from recreational vehicles.
Fishing is the main activity of coastal communities. About 90% of the estimated 6 million people rely on coastal fisheries for protein supplies, and are also facing challenges due to the influx of foreign vessels and other fishers who export about 90% of their catch, which impacts the country’s fish stock. There is limited awareness in some of these communities of wildlife laws, which is coupled with insufficient education and sensitization about threatened and endangered species in the area.
WORK & ACHIEVEMENTS
In 2000, Aruna, a student working towards a Bachelor of Science degree, agreed to take on the challenge of being the first Sierra Leonean to establish baseline data for sea turtle populations in Sierra Leone.
Aruna set up the Marine Turtle Conservation Program as a flagship species programme, working with community members to monitor nesting beaches and by-catches. Project goals include education, community development, community participation in conservation, protection and research activities, and the establishment of a long term data collection and monitoring program. In 2023 alone, the project recorded 110 sea turtle nests across 18 communities, of which 85 were identified to species level. These resulted in 3,652 live hatchlings including 1853 leatherbacks, 698 green turtles, 573 hawksbills, 406 olive ridleys, and 122 loggerheads.
Aruna’s dedication has transformed community attitudes towards conservation, a success attributed to his grassroots involvement and provision of resources. To prevent turtle killings, fishermen receive materials to repair nets damaged by turtle entanglements. Community members assist in monitoring nesting beaches and by-catch, and educational materials are distributed at local meetings and workshops. Beyond conservation, Aruna’s program supports community development by providing clean water, building schools and community centres, and equipping schools with solar power and computers. This integrated approach has strengthened collaboration with coastal communities, minimised threats to marine turtles, and improved data collection efforts.
Through his common-sense approach, patience and understanding of people, perseverance, hard work, and ability to understand the realities and complexities of conservation, Aruna has earned immense respect and is truly deserving of the Tusk Conservation Award.
Visit Tusk Conservation Awards website
The Tusk Conservation Awards are held in partnership with Ninety One and in conjunction with H.R.H The Prince of Wales. The awards recognise cutting-edge conservation leaders and their positive impacts on wildlife conservation and local communities across Africa. For over a decade, the Tusk Conservation Awards have served as a springboard for these guardians of biodiversity, who have risen to the top of their fields. The Awards help to scale their work and increase conservation impact across the continent.
