Godfrey Harris — A life of purpose for a brighter tomorrow.
I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of Godfrey Harris, former Managing Director of the Ivory Education Institute, on 6 January 2026.
Godfrey was a passionate supporter of sustainable wildlife conservation in Africa. He believed that protecting elephants and other wildlife must go hand in hand with recognising the needs, rights and livelihoods of rural communities that share their land with wildlife. Above all, he believed in the power of public education and environmental communication to build understanding and support for conservation approaches that work.
I worked closely with Godfrey for several years. We learnt from each other, exchanged ideas and shared a commitment to ensuring that African voices were heard in global wildlife conservation debates. He travelled to Southern Africa several times at his own expense, engaging governments, conservation authorities and communities.
Before his death, Godfrey gave me permission to continue the work of the Ivory Education Institute and take responsibility for its leadership. His eldest son and other family members supported this decision.
Godfrey Harris requested that his tombstone carry the words: At least I tried. I believe the greatest tribute we can give him is to continue trying.
I therefore invite United States citizens and people worldwide to help establish the Harris Africa Institute for Environmental Communication in his honour. I have already identified the plot on which the institute will be built.
“At least I tried.” — Godfrey Harris
Our fundraising target is US$150,000. Every contribution — US$1, US$5, US$20, US$100 or more — will help build an institution dedicated to empowering Africans and others to communicate environmental issues freely, confidently and effectively.
All donations will be published on this platform monthly. Anonymous donors’ donations will be published without their names.
Donate today: Support the Harris Africa Institute for Environmental Communication. https://paypal.me/Ivoryeducationinstit. All major credit and debit cards accepted.
Environmentally yours,
Emmanuel Koro
Managing Director of the Ivory Education Institute
E-mail: ekoro@ivoryeducationinstitute.org