from Great Britain Prince William He began his four-day visit to South Africa on Tuesday with an early morning hike along the trails of Signal Hill, part of Table Mountain National Park.

The nature walk was a poignant moment in the heir to the British throne’s ongoing environmental campaign, drawing attention to the work of conservation rangers who patrol the urban national park.

Table Mountain National Park spans 85 square miles, a protected area that runs through Cape Town’s iconic landscapes, from its famous flat-topped mountain to the suburbs that stretch along the coast.

Instead of ascending the peak itself, William opted for a more intimate experience along the coastal foothills, a picturesque location known for its expansive ocean views and rugged terrain.

How important is biodiversity on Table Mountain?

Accompanying the prince were Megan Taplin, park manager, and Robert Irwin, son of the late Australian conservationist Steve Irwin, famous for his wildlife advocacy.

During the walk, William met with park rangers, firefighters and members of a K-9 unit, gaining first-hand information about the difficult and often dangerous work they do to protect the biodiversity of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Taplin emphasized the personal toll a high-risk job can take on rangers, both physically and mentally.

She said: “We talk a lot about the welfare of rangers. It’s important that rangers and their families feel supported, because they are doing a difficult and dangerous job every day.”

the real visit to south africa It is part of a broader effort by Prince William to highlight environmental issues, particularly his Earthshot Prize, which aims to address global climate challenges.

What is the Earthshot Prize?

The prize, founded by the prince in 2020 through his Royal Foundation, awards $1.2 million in grants annually to five individuals or organizations whose innovations contribute to environmental sustainability.

This year, the Earthshot Prize ceremony will take place in Cape Town on Wednesday, marking the first time it has been held on the African continent.

Prince William’s engagements this week include meetings with young environmental leaders, attending a wildlife summit and visits to a marine rescue institute and a Cape Town fishing community.

It will also examine the use of algae to regenerate oceans, an innovative approach to tackling marine pollution and restoring ecosystems.

On his first day in Cape Town, William took a break from climate-focused discussions to interact with young people at a high school rugby practice.

What is Prince William’s relationship with South Africa?

The prince also met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the presidential residence in Cape Town.

The meeting, attended by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, is part of a wider bilateral dialogue between the UK and South Africa, aimed at strengthening international cooperation on a range of issues, including climate action. .

William’s relationship with Africa runs deep. His late mother, princess dianaHe visited the continent frequently, and William himself traveled to Africa as a child following his death in 1997.

It was also in Africa, specifically Namibia, where William conceived the idea of ​​the Earthshot Prize during a trip in 2018.

Your brother, prince harryHe also maintains strong links with the region, particularly through his charity work in southern Africa, including a recent visit to Lesotho and South Africa.

His wife, Kate, Princess of Wales, and their children: Prince George, princess charlotteand Prince Louis He did not join William on this trip.

This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press.