Africa conservation non-profit Tusk has its sights set on the oceans as it grows its marine programme.
Biodiversity loss is one of the greatest threats facing our planet, with Africa seeing a devastating decline in its wildlife populations – over three-quarters since 1970. Despite this, the continent holds 25% of global biodiversity, emphasising the urgent need for protection. Tusk has been working to protect the continent’s wildlife since 1990. The charity was founded in response to the poaching crisis of the 1980's, which pushed black rhino to the brink of extinction and saw 100,000 elephants slaughtered each year. Since then, it has grown into a powerful force in African wildlife conservation, funding projects that protect species ranging from the Big Five to marine life.
Tusk’s approach focuses on providing seed funding to small organisations that have the potential to scale, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange and thought leadership. "Tusk’s vision is a future in which biodiversity can be sustained and thrive across Africa," says Nick Bubb, CEO of Tusk. "As an organisation, we don't run and manage our own projects; instead, we support grassroots conservation initiatives across the continent." Focusing on community organisations that have a great understanding of local challenges, Tusk has invested over £150 million in more than 250 conservation initiatives across 30 African countries.
A recent focus has been on marine conservation, which Bubb describes as "hugely underfunded." Marine devastation, often unseen compared to terrestrial destruction, is exacerbated by complex international waters and inadequate management or enforcement of protected areas. However, Tusk is making strides by supporting local communities.
In Kenya, Tusk aids the Lamu Marine Conservation Trust, which protects endangered turtle populations that have declined by 80% over the past 30 years due to human activity. The trust’s efforts include beach patrols, nest protection and a system where fishermen are rewarded for returning live turtles to the sea. In Zanzibar, Tusk supports Oceans Without Borders, working to restore coral reefs in the Mnemba Atoll which have suffered due to tourism and over-fishing. The project involves transplanting coral from nurseries to the Atoll to help rejuvenate the ecosystem. Additionally, the Liberia Sea Turtle Project is another Tusk-supported initiative focusing on protecting nesting sites and engaging local communities in conservation efforts along Liberia’s coastline.
Tusk’s focus on community-led conservation is evident in its support for projects like Blue Ventures’ Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) in Madagascar and Morocco’s ATTOMM project, led by local women. These initiatives empower communities to manage conservation efforts, fostering sustainable practices and increasing awareness.
Another significant aspect of Tusk’s mission is recognising and promoting the continent’s most visionary conservationists. "We choose leaders in local communities who are really motivated and give them some support, which can in turn bring infrastructure, resources and education to the local area," says Bubb. One example is Edward Aruna, winner of the 2024 Tusk Conservation in Africa Award, whose efforts have been instrumental in addressing the various threats facing marine turtle species along Sierra Leone’s Atlantic coast.
Tusk's work has garnered support from prominent figures like Tara and Jessica Getty and royal patrons such as Prince William, a long-time supporter who champions conservation efforts through The Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa, granted in 2024 to Nomba Ganamé for his leadership in protecting elephants in Mali. "Prince William is very engaged," says Bubb, "Tusk is an outlet for him to really connect with tangible, real-life projects, rather than high-level work which his life is inevitably focused around.”
As a passionate sailor, Bubb has a deep connection to the ocean and hopes Tusk’s marine programmes will inspire greater support from those who see the impacts on the sea firsthand. With the current US freeze on aid to Africa, Bubb stresses the importance of coming together to protect biodiversity. "We’re not extremists; we’re guardians of biodiversity," he says. "We’re just trying to present a logical case and do something that I think should be part of all of our lives.”
For Bubb, these efforts are personal. He recalls transformative moments racing across the Southern Ocean, surrounded by albatrosses and orcas. "Spending time at sea, you build this affinity with the wildlife you see," he says. "I want my children, and future generations, to be able to have these experiences and to understand the power of these majestic animals." For more information visit:
tusk.org