We’re excited to share that Dr Olivier Nsengimana, 2025 Whitley Gold Award winner, joined Emma Barnett for an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme
Olivier, a Rwandan conservationist and founder of the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association, spoke about his mission to protect the Grey Crowned Crane—an iconic yet endangered bird whose population in Rwanda was once in steep decline due to illegal trade and habitat destruction.
In the interview, Olivier reflects on the importance of receiving the Whitley Gold Award, saying:
“Receiving the Whitley Gold Award, it’s really huge.”
The Gold Award, donated by the Friends of the Whitley Fund for Nature, recognises Olivier’s outstanding leadership and impact. His work has already helped quadruple the country’s wild Grey Crowned Crane population since 2015, and he is now spearheading transboundary conservation efforts across East Africa, collaborating with communities and governments to secure a future for both cranes and the wetlands they rely on.
Tune in to the full interview on BBC Sounds (listen from 06:54): https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002bjc0
