Prince William backs new conservation awards The inaugural Tusk Conservation Awards, set up by Tusk, an African conservation charity of which the Duke is a royal patron, will be held next year with two different categories. There will be a lifetime achievement award, for someone who has dedicated a minimum of 10 years to protecting the country's endangered wildlife and habitats. The other award will recognise an "up-and-coming conservationist, whose work shows real promise." Backed by Investec Asset Management, the awards will include grants of £30,000 and £10,000 to the winners of each respective category. The Duke became a royal patron of Tusk in 2005, and has been an outspoken supporter of the charity. Earlier this year, he spoke out against the rising level of rhinoceros and elephant poaching, warning that "unless this stops, these two majestic animals will be... but a memory in the wilds of Africa." His speech followed news that rhino had been poached at the wildlife refuge where he had proposed to Kate Middleton in Kenya. In the same address, given at the British premiere of the film African Cats, he also highlighted the decline of big cats. The prince called for action to preserve "our global, natural legacy," adding that "tomorrow will be too late."