The grey crowned crane is part of Rwanda’s natural heritage. But a decade ago, it was on the brink of disappearing. It was estimated that only 300 remained in the wild, threatened by habitat loss and the illegal pet trade. Olivier Nsengimana refused to accept that this bird could vanish.
He founded the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association in 2015 to bring together science, community knowledge, and action to protect the cranes and restore their wetlands. Today, Rwanda’s wild crane population stands at 1,438, and the country’s illegal trade in them has been curtailed.
What I find powerful about Olivier’s leadership is his understanding that conservation cannot succeed without people. He works alongside communities, creating livelihoods and turning those closest to nature into its strongest guardians.
Supported by the 2025 Whitley Gold Award’s £100,000 prize, Olivier is taking this work to other countries in East Africa, including Uganda and Tanzania. His story reminds us that when local leadership is trusted and supported, and communities are at the heart of conservation, recovery is possible.
Wathuti is the founder and CEO of Green Generation Initiative.