Alex Rose-Innes
Since 2007, the world had been celebrating International Rangers’ Day and this year it would be no different. Around the globe, those men, women and canines, who had died while safeguarding the planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage, would be remembered.
Respect Mathebula was the first ranger to be killed by poachers in the Kruger National Park and according to Agence France Presse (AFP), 200 rangers who worked in Virunga, Africa’s oldest nature reserve, had been killed during the last decade. Rangers are not only killed by poacher bullets, but also trampled and gored by wild animals such as elephant and buffalo.
The Green Tribe bravely undertake their role on the frontline and at the start of each day never know if they would see the sun set or if they would have died in the line of duty. World Ranger Day is part of the Ranger Federation initiative in conjunction with its official charity arm, The Thin Green Foundation. Conservation canines are also remembered, such as for saving the lives of their handlers, but paid the ultimate price for their loyalty.
International Rangers’ Day is promoted by the 54 member associations of the International Ranger Federation (IRF). In South Africa, the SA National Parks’ Organisation (SANParks) came on board to celebrate their heroes on the 15th anniversary of the founding of the IRF.
Various programmes from the Addo Elephant, Camdeboo, Karoo, the Mountain Zebra National Park and the Kruger National Park would commemorate this day on July 31 with displays of rangers’ skills, including aerial surveys, ground patrols, dealing with suspected poachers, first aid on a gunshot victim and vehicle stop-and-searches. Honorary Rangers from the various regions would also be in attendance. These are men and women who donate their time and effort (and their lives) without being paid for the love of conservation.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Commission on Protected Areas had also announced the new International Ranger Awards. Developed in collaboration with the International Ranger Federation, Global Wildlife Conservation and Conservation Allies, these awards will recognise the remarkable work of rangers in protected and conserved areas around the world. Each awardee will receive a unique uniform patch and their employing/supporting organisation will receive US$10,000 to support their work (e.g. purchasing essential supplies or equipment, providing training, providing insurance supporting the family of a deceased ranger, and more). The winners will be announced later this year.
A regularly held IRF World Ranger Congress brings together rangers from across the world, providing them with an opportunity to learn new skills, share knowledge and create partnerships. Held every three years in a different country, host countries from each IRF region use these occasions to raise the profile of rangers locally and internationally. It allows them to showcase their successes, to identify how they are addressing regional challenges and share their knowledge and skills with colleagues from around the globe.
The World Ranger Congress is also a forum for recommendations on issues affecting rangers and their work, which are presented at global conservation forums. The next is to be held in 2023.
GreeningAfrica.com salutes everyone involved in conservation efforts to ensure a legacy for the next generation.
