Prince William has told how he wants his three children to “live in a world in which incredible wildlife exists” as he issued a warning on the future of the planet due to climate change.
The Prince of Wales said “our planet continues to face terrifying environmental concerns from climate change and habitat destruction” but heralded the efforts of environmentalists around the world.
Speaking at the Tusk wildlife awards ceremony this evening, William said now was the time to support those working to protect wildlife and the environment, adding: “Rainforests the size of countries are disappearing. And one million species are at risk of extinction mostly due to human activity.
“Now is the time to support those globally that work to prevent future generations from becoming disconnected from nature we must invest in the natural world around us and understand the value it has for us all, both now and in the future.”
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POOL/AFP via Getty Images)William said everyone with a stake in the planet’s future should come together and work for its survival - saying we were “lucky” to still be able to appreciate wildlife while it still exists, mentioning his three children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine and Prince Louis, six.
He said: “It is only through a collaborative approach, under the guidance of indigenous and local communities, that we can foster lasting and meaningful change.
“I believe we are the lucky ones. We live in a world in which incredible wildlife exists and I want that for the generations that follow. I want my children to live in a world where swallows still migrate, gorillas still live in the cloud forests of Uganda and rhinos still roam the arid rangelands of Namibia. It will be thanks to extraordinary leaders such as those that we are celebrating today that this will happen.”
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POOL/AFP via Getty Images)Heralding the inspiring winners for the planet saving ideas, William also paid tribute to a South African park ranger who was gunned down in cold blood by ruthless poachers.
Anton Mzimba, an “incorruptible” park ranger in South Africa who worked for two decades protecting wildlife before he was tragically gunned down in 2022 by poachers in front of his wife and child.
His death sparked outrage around the world, prompting William to make a significant private donation to support Mzimba’s vast family. He had two wives and 11 children to support - one of the 1400 rangers around the world have been killed in the past decade.
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Getty Images)In Cape Town earlier this month, where he was promoting and hosting his Earthshot Prize environmental awards now in its fourth year, William launched a live insurance programme which will be rolled out across Africa and benefit thousands of rangers bravely protecting wildlife.
William added: “That is why the insight and knowledge of the award winners tonight is so important. They should guide and inspire us all to drive change. They remind us of the importance of living at peace with nature. This is why it is so crucial that we do everything in our power to support the individuals who protect the natural world.
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Getty Images)“This has come into even sharper focus over the past two years, following the murder of Anton Mzimba in South Africa. Anton was assassinated in his home for doing his job protecting the incredible biodiversity of his country. And globally, 1400 rangers have been killed in the past decade.
“The sobering Roll of Honour that we saw earlier recognises the Rangers who lost their lives and serves as a reminder of the ultimate price paid by too many on the frontline of conservation.”
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