Prince William is the patron of Tusk (Image: GETTY)
Prince William has delivered a landmark speech pledging his support for those putting their lives on the line to protect wildlife.
Speaking at the United for Wildlife’s third Global Summit in Cape Town, the future King unveiled a radical package of support for rangers and other professionals who play a critical role in nature protection.
It came as the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) announced on Tuesday that their ranger Pte Olara Jonathan was killed during an encounter with armed poachers the day before.
“Rangers are fundamental if we are to meet our global conservation targets for 2030 and prevent the dangerous tipping points that threaten our planet,” he said.
“These people do far more than protect wildlife. They are educators. They are community supporters. And they help regulate the sustainable use of natural resources.
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READ MORE: Prince William reveals one surprising question his children constantly ask him
“We cannot protect our planet without them, which is why this initiative aims to ensure that Rangers receive much-needed life insurance cover, giving them and their families reassurance that they are protected for the dangerous job they do. It will be led by those who protect nature, for those who protect nature.”
Launched by The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife programme together with Tusk Trust and the Game Ranger Association of Africa, the package is the first such sustained multi-year initiative to be rolled out across Africa.
The new five-year package is set to provide 10,000 rangers with access to appropriate, affordable in-service and medical evacuation insurance cover.
It will also offer them training and leadership development.
William, who wore a UFW tie by Wilmok made from recycled plastic bottles, also spoke of the murder of Anton Mzimba.
The ranger, who had met the prince, was killed by poachers in front of his wife in July 2022.
Prince William travelled to Cape Town ahead of the Earthshot Prize Awards (Image: Getty)
William was “deeply saddened” by his death and made a significant private donation to support Mzimba’s family, which consists of two wives and 11 children.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Prince met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa alongside foreign secretary David Lammy, who is in the country to meet his South African counterpart.
William discussed the ranger community, the tragic death of Mzimba and the package of support announced in his keynote speech.
The prince kickstarted his day by soaking up the stunning views of Cape Town’s famous Table Mountain as he hiked partway up a vantage point on Tuesday morning,
Prince William, 42, undertook the scenic walk as he chatted with rangers and volunteer conservationists about the rare and endangered plants that are part of the area’s biodiversity.
The future king climbed up part of Signal Hill, which gives panoramic views of Cape Town and is recognised as one of the world’s most remarkable attractions, and joked to the waiting media: “I’ll try not to wipe myself out in front of everybody.”
Wearing an eco-friendly shirt by EcoAlf and a jacket by Rapanui, William was accompanied by Megan Taplin, Park Manager for Table Mountain National Park.
Prince William met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (Image: Getty)
Looking out over the coastline as he was introduced to a group of rangers tasked with protecting the unique biodiversity of the area, he said: “‘What a stunning spot to meet you guys in. Look at this, it’s amazing.”
The animal-loving prince then bent down to greet Lia, a Dutch Shepherd dog who helps the team of rangers protect the public and biodiversity.
The sweet dog was enjoying a snooze in the sunshine before William stroked her head and said: “Morning, sleepy. How are we today?”
William, who has a black English cocker spaniel called Orla, also met with young Australian environmentalist Robert Irwin, an Earthshot Prize Global Ambassador.
While chatting with the son of the late wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin, he was quizzed about his favourite African animal.
The prince said: “It’s a really tough question. My children ask me this regularly. I think I’m going to have to say the cheetah…Yeah, I love cheetahs. Fantastic animals.”
Irvin, an ambassador of the Prince of Wales’ Earthshot Prize replied: “Cheetahs ok. Very cool, very cool…It’s chameleons for me. The unsung hero. I love them.”
Signal Hill is part of the wider Table Mountain National Park, one of a number of areas making up the Cape Flora Region which was declared a world heritage site by Unesco in 2004.
The park has a team of rangers who deal with a range of issues from combating environmental crime on Table Mountain, dealing with visitor safety and tackling Abalone poaching, part of organised crime.
Speaking at an Earthshot+ event on Tuesday afternoon, William explained that his global environmental award “isn’t just a prize” – it’s about scale and impact.
Tomorrow, the Earthshot Awards Ceremony will be held in an eco-dome where the five winners will be unveiled after an impressive showcase.
