Non-profit organisations in South Africa and six other countries have only a few days left to enter the inaugural Defender Awards, with submissions closing on 16 June 2025. Here’s how to enter.
Launched by the iconic 4×4 brand Defender, this new international awards programme is designed to support small, frontline non-profits working in the fields of wildlife conservation, marine protection, environmental restoration, and humanitarian aid.
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Each of the seven winners will receive a comprehensive support package valued at over £1 million, including:
- A £100,000 bursary to fund their work
- A robust and field-ready Defender vehicle** to help them reach remote areas
- Expert mentorship from a global network of conservation and humanitarian professionals
Designed with a local focus, the awards aim to empower organisations in South Africa, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Australia, and Japan—countries where real grassroots impact is being made in some of the world’s most fragile environments.
About the Defender Awards
The Defender Awards recognise organisations making a tangible difference in one of four key categories:
- Defenders of the Wild – working to protect endangered and at-risk species
- Defenders of Humanity – supporting vulnerable and marginalised communities
- Defenders of the Land – restoring and preserving natural ecosystems and landscapes
- Defenders of the Sea – safeguarding marine species and ocean environments
Organisations can submit their entries via the official awards portal. Each country will shortlist two entries per category, resulting in a 56-entry international shortlist. A final panel of respected global experts will then select one winner per category, along with three additional standouts to receive the seven full awards packages.
Defender’s Legacy of Service
Defender’s legacy of service dates back to 1954, when its vehicles were first deployed with Red Cross nurses in Kenya and Dubai. Today, Defender’s commitment to purpose-led innovation continues through partnerships such as the 20-year collaboration with Tusk, which is focused on wildlife protection and biodiversity conservation in Africa.
“We created the Defender Awards to elevate the work of grassroots organisations doing incredible work, often under extremely challenging conditions,” says Mark Cameron, Managing Director of Defender. “This is a significant investment—over £1 million in total—and a chance to build a global network of changemakers who can learn from and support one another.”
Entries close on 16 June 2025. For full details on how to enter, visit the official site:
www.landrover.co.za/defender/defender-awards/index.html
Related: South African Panel Announced for Global Defender Awards Judging
