On September 23, during his whirlwind visit to New York City, Prince Harry took the stage to advocate for an initiative he has passionately supported for years—African Parks.
This event marked the beginning of his busy agenda, just a week after his milestone 40th birthday.
Harry’s appearance was part of a special gathering aimed at showcasing the impactful work being done by African Parks across Africa.
His office highlighted that the event focused on the organization’s groundbreaking “conservation at scale” strategies, which are designed to protect the continent’s rich biodiversity and enhance the lives of local communities.
The Duke participated in a panel discussion moderated by renowned journalist Katie Couric, alongside notable figures like Hindou Omarou Ibrahim, Rob Walton, and Peter Fearnhead, the CEO of African Parks.
During the panel, discussions revolved around the ambitious objectives and tangible successes of African Parks in addressing climate change, safeguarding essential ecosystems, and improving local livelihoods.
Prince Harry shared a deeply personal narrative about his involvement in a groundbreaking project from 2016, where he helped relocate elephants in Malawi, a pivotal moment that shaped his view on conservation.
His journey with African Parks began in 2016 when he joined efforts in Malawi for the ambitious 500 Elephants project, one of the largest elephant relocations ever attempted.
The following year, he was appointed president of the organization, and earlier this year, he was promoted to the Board of Directors, further cementing his commitment to wildlife preservation.
The impact of that initial trip eight years ago was significant for Harry, as it opened his eyes to the complexities of conservation and its far-reaching effects.
He expressed how this experience intensified his dedication to not only the preservation of Africa’s natural beauty but also its cultural heritage.
African Parks manages 22 protected areas across several African nations, including Angola, Benin, and Zambia, among others.
Harry has traveled extensively to several of these countries, engaging with various projects.
Last August, he co-hosted a tour for U.S. officials, philanthropists, and conservationists to showcase the vital work being done in wildlife reserves managed by African Parks in Zambia, Mozambique, and Rwanda.
In his recent statements, Harry emphasized the importance of collaboration and support for initiatives like African Parks, stressing that such efforts play a crucial role in ensuring the preservation of Africa’s ecological treasures for future generations.
However, Harry’s association with African Parks hasn’t been without controversy.
Earlier this year, allegations surfaced regarding serious abuses committed by park rangers against the Baka people in the Republic of the Congo, prompting calls for him to resign from the board amidst public outcry.
These claims included horrific incidents of violence and abuse against the indigenous community, leading to a heightened scrutiny of the organization.
In response to these allegations, African Parks publicly reaffirmed its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy for any form of abuse, emphasizing that an investigation into the claims was their top priority.
Their statement underscored the importance of respecting the rights of local and indigenous peoples, vowing to thoroughly investigate any misconduct.
Despite the tumultuous backdrop, Prince Harry remains steadfast in his philanthropic pursuits.
His recent trip to New York was part of a broader agenda during the UN General Assembly and Climate Week, where he aimed to elevate several charitable causes, including African Parks and other organizations dedicated to social impact.
Africa holds a special place in Harry’s heart, often referring to it as his “second home.”
His connection to the continent runs deep; he has visited numerous times since childhood and has actively engaged in various philanthropic activities there.
Notably, he co-founded Sentebale in 2006, an organization focused on supporting children and young people affected by poverty and HIV/AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana, further demonstrating his long-standing commitment to the region.
As he continues to navigate his role as a philanthropist away from royal duties, Harry’s passion for conservation and community welfare in Africa remains unwavering, reflecting a desire to make a lasting impact on the continent’s future.
