African People & Wildlife CEO and Co-Founder Laly Lichtenfeld Nominated for 2025 Indianapolis Prize
Media Contact
Katy Teson
kteson@africanpeoplewildlife.org
September 10, 2024 – African People & Wildlife (APW) is honored to announce that our CEO and Co-Founder, Dr. Laly Lichtenfeld, has been officially nominated for the prestigious 2025 Indianapolis Prize, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize” of animal conservation. This nomination is in recognition of Laly’s leadership and APW’s groundbreaking work in lion conservation and community-driven efforts to protect big cats in Tanzania.
The Indianapolis Prize, awarded biennially, honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the protection and sustainability of endangered species around the world. Out of 44 global nominees, six finalists will be selected in the spring of 2025, with the winner receiving $250,000 to continue their conservation work.
Laly’s nomination is a testament to her dedication to saving lions and reflects the collective efforts of the APW team, local communities, partners, and Tanzanian authorities. APW’s programs, including the innovative Living Walls initiative and the work of Human-Wildlife Coexistence Officers, have significantly reduced human-wildlife conflict, safeguarding rural livelihoods while protecting Tanzania’s lion population.
Since 2017, APW's Human-Wildlife Coexistence Officers, also known as Warriors for Wildlife, have successfully prevented 78% of reported attempts to kill lions and saved an estimated 125 lions, including many cubs. This work has contributed to a growing lion population in the Tarangire-Manyara ecosystem, reversing a long-term decline.
“This recognition truly belongs to the incredible team and our partner communities, whose dedication and resilience make everything possible,” said Laly Lichtenfeld. “It’s humbling to be named among so many inspiring conservationists, and I’m moved by the incredible work being done in ecosystems across the globe. While I celebrate this milestone, I also think of the countless individuals working tirelessly to protect wildlife and natural spaces, many of whom are yet to be recognized. Thank you to everyone who has supported our journey—we’re excited to keep pushing forward!”
For more information about the 2025 Indianapolis Prize and to see the full list of nominees, visit the Prize blog announcement.
About African People & Wildlife
African People & Wildlife works to ensure a future where humans and wild animals coexist and thrive. Operating on the ground in Tanzania, African People & Wildlife establishes long-term relationships with communities based on the respectful integration of science and tradition. African People & Wildlife’s holistic approach to conservation is widely applicable in landscapes where people and wildlife coexist. Founded in 2005, African People & Wildlife is a recognized leader in the field of community-driven conservation.
About the Indianapolis Prize
The Indianapolis Prize recognizes and rewards conservationists who have achieved major victories in advancing the sustainability of an animal species or group of species. Winners receive an unrestricted $250,000 award, and five DeHaan Finalists each receive $50,000. A mid-career Emerging Conservationist Winner is also recognized and given $50,000 to support the next generation of conservation scientists. Since 2006, the Indianapolis Prize has administered more than $7 million in unrestricted cash awards. The Indianapolis Prize is administered by the Indianapolis Zoological Society, Inc.
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