Pretoria, South Africa – 13 October 2025 – Defender, the iconic British adventure brand, has unveiled the shortlist for its inaugural Defender Awards, shining a spotlight on 56 remarkable international projects that are redefining conservation and humanitarian work across the globe. Among the shortlisted projects, nine hail from South Africa, exemplifying the nation’s commitment to safeguarding wildlife, supporting communities, and driving innovative solutions to pressing environmental and social challenges.
The Defender Awards, launched earlier this year, aim to champion and support small-scale charities and non-profit organisations that are making a tangible difference in their local communities. Across four award categories—Defenders of the Land, Sea, Wild, and Humanity—entries span an extraordinary spectrum of initiatives, from disaster relief and species protection to raising awareness of skin cancer and tackling poverty and violence.
Winning projects will be awarded a robust Defender 4×4 to assist in their work, a £100,000 bursary, and mentoring from a global network of experts. The seven overall winners will be announced later this year, following careful evaluation by a distinguished international judging panel.
A Global Judging Panel with Local Insight
The Defender Awards judging panel brings together a diverse blend of expertise. Co-chaired by Defender Managing Director Mark Cameron and Zimbabwean conservation biologist Dr Moreangels Mbizah, the panel includes German adventure photographer Max Muench, Swiss environmentalist Bertrand Piccard, Italian actress and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Alessandra Mastronardi, Australian National Geographic filmmaker Tyson Mayr, and Japanese sustainability writer Michiaki Matsushima.
“The calibre of the entries is phenomenal,” said Mark Cameron. “The variety of projects on the shortlist is testament to the pioneering work being done by local conservation and humanitarian heroes around the world. These awards celebrate those who embrace the impossible every day, just like Defender.”
Dr Mbizah added: “Community-led conservation is the key to saving wildlife. By supporting these small-scale organisations, we are helping those who embody the pioneering spirit of Defender to scale their impact and inspire change.”
Defenders of the Land: Protecting Landscapes and Communities
South Africa’s contributions to the Defenders of the Land category showcase the country’s rich ecological heritage and commitment to sustainable management. The Nuwejaars River Nature Reserve protects the Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area, safeguarding wetlands described by the South African National Biodiversity Institute as “highly irreplaceable.” Meanwhile, Rhino Revolution demonstrates the power of community-owned wildlife reserves, combining ecological conservation with tangible benefits for rural landowners.
Internationally, projects such as Fondazione Sylva, A Forest for Arnesano in Italy are transforming abandoned or confiscated lands into thriving forests for native species, while Japan’s Next Common Lab initiative has successfully regenerated landscapes and improved populations of near-threatened species such as red-bellied newts.
Defenders of the Wild: Safeguarding Species at Risk
South Africa continues to make its mark in wildlife conservation. The African Pangolin Working Group manages the purpose-built Pangolarium in Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, providing care for Temminck’s pangolin. The Wildbird Trust Cape Parrot Project and Rooiberg Bewaria monitor and protect forest species and vast wildlife areas, mitigating human-wildlife conflict while ensuring ecosystem stability.
Global entries include the UK’s Restoring Upland Nature (RUN) programme, which aims to reintroduce the Golden Eagle to landscapes where it has been absent for centuries, illustrating how apex predators can catalyse broader ecosystem recovery.
Defenders of Humanity: Changing Lives Locally and Globally
South Africa’s iThemba Kuluntu, custodians of the Pure Flow Amanzi Water Bucket Filtration System, deliver safe drinking water to vulnerable households in rural and disaster-affected areas. Hope SA Foundation mobilises resources for education, healthcare, and disaster relief, fostering positive change in marginalised communities.
Other global projects include Australia’s Project Check Mate, focused on early detection of skin cancer in remote communities, Italy’s ReAct, providing drone-assisted emergency response during disasters, and Germany’s Sapocycle, which recycles used hotel soap while providing employment for people with disabilities.
Defenders of the Sea: Preserving Marine Ecosystems
South African initiatives highlight the country’s dedication to ocean conservation. The Litterboom Project prevents plastic waste from reaching the sea in key rivers, while the South African Whale Disentanglement Network (SAWDN) rescues whales entangled in fishing gear.
Internationally, the UK’s Women in Ocean Science empowers the next generation of female ocean leaders, France’s Blue Carbon Gardeners restore underwater forests in Corsica, and Germany’s BlueHeart Project raises awareness of marine environmental issues such as plastic pollution and over-fishing.
A Celebration of Innovation and Impact
The Defender Awards shortlist underscores the breadth of global humanitarian and conservation initiatives. Each entry is assessed on its alignment with the chosen category, measurable impact, innovation, and how a Defender 4×4 could enhance its mission. From community-led conservation efforts to high-tech disaster response and sustainable environmental solutions, the programme celebrates those who embrace the impossible every day.
With projects spanning seven countries and 56 initiatives, the Defender Awards are more than a celebration—they are a commitment to supporting the heroes making a real difference, on land, at sea, in the wild, and within our communities.
