African Wildlife Foundation Honors Leaders in African
Conservation
(ENN, Nov 14, 2003)
Washington, D.C. - At a
recognition dinner on November 13th, at the Ronald Reagan Building and
International Trade Center, the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) recognized
leaders in African conservation.
Honorees include:
·
His Excellency President Benjamin William Mkapa of Tanzania, for
his country's excellence in sustainable development
·
Mr. Walter Kansteiner, III, Assistant Secretary for African
Affairs, U.S. Department of State, for his consistent support of sustainable
development in Africa.
·
The Walt Disney Company, for its continued commitment to
conservation in Africa
"These honorees are leading the way in
securing Africa's future through conservation and sustainable
development," said Patrick Bergin, President of the African Wildlife
Foundation. "At a time when news about Africa continues to be negative, we
are particularly pleased to honor these gentlemen for their consistent,
tireless efforts towards an African environment where both wildlife and
business can thrive."
"At Disney, we believe that the future of
our planet depends on our actions today, and wildlife and ecosystem protection
is part of that," said Dr. Jackie Ogden, Director for Animal Programs at
Walt Disney World. "As global citizens, we are committed to helping
organizations like AWF create solutions to conservation issues by providing
some of the resources they so desperately need."
Through the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund
(DCWF), nearly $700,000 has been contributed to conservation projects in
Africa. AWF has been a multi-year recipient of these awards, with projects
involving community conservation as well as elephant, zebra and wild dog
research. Established in 1995 as a global awards program for the study and
protection of endangered animals and their habitats, the DCWF provides annual
awards to U.S. non-profit conservation organizations working alongside their
peers in other countries. The DWCF accepts contributions from guests at
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park which are matched by the company. In 2003,
the DCWF distributed more than $1 million in cash awards to 68 field projects
in more than 30 countries.
President Benjamin William Mkapa was elected
President of the United Republic of Tanzania in 1995 and re-elected in October
2000 for a second five-year term. Under President Mkapa's leadership, Tanzania
became only the fourth Highly-Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) to achieve all the
conditions of sound macro-economic performance and policy required to qualify
for a massive reduction in the country's debt. During the same period,
President Mkapa's government has upheld Tanzania's long-standing commitment to
conservation. Ten new wildlife protected areas have been created since 1995,
including two new national parks. Tanzania's first marine reserves have been
established along Tanzania's coast and islands of Zanzibar and an internationally
significant game corridor linking the Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania with the
Niassa Game Reserve in northern Mozambique has been established. In addition,
the Tanzania Land Conservation Trust, an initiative of AWF, has also been
established to hold land for conservation while benefiting local communities.
Mr. Walter H. Kansteiner, III has served as
Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs since 2001. He has more than
20 years experience with African and emerging market business issues. Mr.
Kansteiner has advised corporations on a wide range of mergers, acquisitions,
and privatizations throughout Africa. During his time as Assistant Secretary of
State, Mr. Kansteiner has worked closely with the Corporate Council on Africa
to support investment in Africa and trade between Africa and the United States.
Mr. Kansteiner has also taken a passionate interest in conservation and has
worked closely with the African Wildlife Foundation and other conservation
organizations to promote conservation of Africa's natural resources and their
contribution to the well-being of the people of Africa.
Honorees received a baby elephant sculpture created by renowned
Maryland wildlife artist Bart Walters.