Minister of the Environment and the Fight Against Desertification Mohamed Akotey of Niger

Akotey said many actions were taken for the environment for the giraffe population, including training and equipping giraffe area guides and training the members of the giraffe observation and surveillance network.

Receiving the award, Minister Akotey said the country has reserved 10 million hectares of land for this effort, set up legislation to curb the illegal poaching of the antelope, and raised awareness among the local on appropriate conservation measures.