The 2026 Markhor Award has been presented to Mark Haldane of Zambeze Delta Safaris, Mozambique, in recognition of more than three decades of conservation work in the Zambeze Delta.
The award was announced at the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP17) in Yerevan, Armenia, with the participation of Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Her participation highlighted the role of sustainable use in conserving biodiversity and supporting local livelihoods.
More Than Three Decades of Conservation in the Zambeze Delta
Mark Haldane and the Zambeze Delta Safaris team have contributed to wildlife recovery and conservation in the Zambeze Delta over more than 30 years.
One of the most notable achievements has been the recovery of buffalo populations, which have increased from approximately 2,300 to around 30,000. The conservation work has also included the reintroduction of lions and initiatives designed to support local communities.
These efforts demonstrate the potential of long-term conservation management to contribute to wildlife recovery while creating benefits for the people who live in and around conservation areas.
Sustainable Use Supporting Biodiversity and Local Communities
The work carried out in Coutada 11 illustrates how sustainable wildlife use can contribute to both biodiversity conservation and local livelihoods.
Conservation requires more than protecting wildlife alone. It also involves recognising the role of local communities and the importance of creating lasting incentives for the responsible management of natural resources.
Through its work in the Zambeze Delta, Zambeze Delta Safaris demonstrates how wildlife management, sustainable use and community initiatives can form part of a long-term approach to conservation.
The results achieved over the past three decades highlight the importance of sustained commitment and practical action in supporting wildlife populations and the landscapes on which they depend.
Recognising a Lasting Contribution to Conservation
The Markhor Award recognises outstanding contributions to the conservation of wild sheep and goats and the broader principles of sustainable wildlife management and use.
Jointly presented by the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) and the Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF), the award highlights individuals whose work demonstrates the contribution that responsible wildlife use can make to conservation.
The 2026 award acknowledges Mark Haldane’s long-standing commitment to conservation in Mozambique and the collective efforts of the Zambeze Delta Safaris team.
CIC congratulates Mark Haldane, Carlos Pacheco Ferreira and the entire Zambeze Delta team on this well-deserved recognition and their continued contribution to conservation in the Zambeze Delta.
