Sierra Leone’s Edward Aruna Wins 2024 Tusk Conservation Award
Edward Aruna, founder and managing director of the Reptiles and Amphibians Program Sierra Leone (RAPSL), has won the prestigious 2024 Tusk Conservation Award for his exceptional efforts in protecting reptiles and amphibians, particularly marine turtles.
The award was presented on November 27 in London, with notable attendees including King Charles, Prince William, and prominent African conservationists.
Aruna, originally from Moyamba District, established RAPSL in 2012 with a mission to protect Sierra Leone’s reptile and amphibian species. His organization has been instrumental in working with coastal communities to monitor sea turtle nesting sites, reduce by-catch in fishing, and raise awareness about the need for turtle conservation.
Expressing his gratitude after receiving the award, Aruna highlighted the importance of the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding marine turtles. “Winning the Tusk Conservation Award means a lot to me. Our goal is to protect all reptile and amphibian species, especially marine turtles,” he said.
Sierra Leone is home to five species of marine turtles, and RAPSL’s conservation efforts span key coastal areas. The organization has a dedicated team of 25 turtle monitors working to protect these species and their habitats. Aruna also emphasized the growing threat of climate change to sea turtles, with rising temperatures impacting hatchling gender ratios and threatening long-term population stability.
In addition to their work with wildlife, RAPSL’s initiatives include community development projects like introducing modern fish-smoking ovens, providing solar lamps to local students, and planting mangroves to combat coastal erosion. In 2023, RAPSL successfully released over 3,000 turtle hatchlings into the wild.
Aruna’s passion for conservation was inspired by his father, a medical practitioner with a love for animals and plants. After studying biological sciences at Njala University, Aruna shifted his focus from medicine to conservation, eventually filling a gap in sea turtle research and protection in Sierra Leone.
Looking ahead, Aruna is committed to advancing conservation efforts, addressing climate change, and empowering local communities. “This award motivates me to keep working and inspiring others. Conservation is about giving hope—not just to wildlife, but to people as well,” he concluded.
