Chanel Hauvette has won a coveted award for her tireless work for marine life and now wears the title of Best Marine Ranger in Africa!
Global (28 November 2024) — Chanel Hauvette was overwhelmed with gratitude when she learned that she’d been crowned this year’s Best Marine Ranger!
The sole conservationist from South Africa to win at the 2024 African Conservation Awards, Chanel has made SA immensely proud. Adding to the good news, she’s also become the first marine ranger to ever win the category that was introduced for the first time this year.
Presented by the Game Rangers’ Association of Africa, the African Conservation Awards (of which Prince Albert II of Monaco is an esteemed Patron) commend the outstanding work done by African conservationists in different niches.
Chanel’s work as the Senior Marine Ranger at CapeNature’s Robberg Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area can’t be understated. She manages hundreds of annual strandings (seals, birds, endangered turtles and sea horses), tackles law enforcement, biodiversity monitoring and community engagement as part of her daily to-dos and is a leader who conceptualises innovative protocols and is led by a passion as deep as the ocean itself.
“I’m overwhelmed and grateful,” reflected Chanel in the face of her new victory. “The fire in my soul has been fuelled by this prestigious awards!”
“Marine conservation is my drive, purpose and is a career that defines me! It empowers me to change all the things I care most deeply about—people having equitable access to nature, undoing some of the worst damages we’ve brought to pass so that wildlife and people can have space to thrive, and securing a positive, hopeful future for generations to come.”
CapeNature—a public institution that’s mandated to promote and ensure biodiversity conservation within the Western Cape—couldn’t be more proud of their Chanel.
“Awards like these shine a light on the selfless and tireless efforts of our rangers to conserve our wildlife amidst a myriad of challenges. Their dedication and commitment are to be celebrated and highlighted and I want to congratulate the GRAA for acknowledging these (often) unsung heroes on our African continent.”
Prince Albert II, too, expressed his gratitude to the conservation heroes, with special mention of the Marine Rangers who have long been overlooked.
“Every year we are reminded of the dedication, commitment and resilience required to be a ranger in Africa. It is particularly exciting to be recognising Marine Rangers this year who do such inspiring work on our oceans and coastlines to conserve our marine resources.”
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