News
Prince William marks 20 years of conservation charity Tusk Trust
7th January 2010
Balancing environmental conservation with the growing needs of society is at the heart of the "great challenge facing mankind", Prince William said tonight in a speech to mark 20 years of the conservation charity Tusk Trust.
Tusk, of which Prince William is Patron, works to protect endangered species in Africa and alleviate poverty amongst rural communities living alongside the wildlife.
Prince William's speech, delivered at a reception held at HSBC’s private banking headquarters in St James’s, London, echoed the beliefs of his father The Prince of Wales, who for many years has argued that mankind should live in harmony with the natural world.
The Prince, who is second in line to The Throne, also highlighted the growing threat to the survival of some of the world's animals.
Prince William praised the charity in the speech to its supporters, staff and trustees at a central London reception, saying: "The imperative of balancing conservation of wildlife and natural resources with the ever growing needs of the human race is at the heart of the great challenge facing mankind today.
"Tusk realised this 20 years ago and, in many areas of radical thinking about sustainable development, the charity in its sensitive and self-effacing way continues to illuminate the path for us..."
The escalating problem of poachers targeting rhinos for their lucrative horns and the threat to turtles was also mentioned by The Prince who has been involved with the charity since 2005.
An initiative that saw four rare northern white rhinos shipped last month from a Czech zoo to Kenya, in a desperate attempt to save the species from extinction, was also praised by the royal.
There are only around 11 of the animals believed to exist worldwide - most of them in captivity.
The Trust was formed in 1990 by Charles Mayhew and Timothy Ackroyd and over two decades has supported more than 100 projects and invested more than £10 million into initiatives.
Today the charity is involved with 40 projects across 17 African countries and also encourages sustainable development and environmental education amongst many poor rural communities.
It is working to conserve threatened species like rhino, cheetah, mountain and lowland gorillas and African wild dog.
Prince William said: "We must all help, help to ensure that, for the communities Tusk serves in Africa, and for the awe-inspiring wildlife with which they co-exist, that the next 20 years are ever more life-enhancing and secure.
"Future generations must have the chance to wonder at the Continent's spell-binding natural heritage for themselves.
"We owe it to them. This legacy is not ours to squander. And in this cause, Tusk is a great champion."