South Africa (SA), at the end of last month, once again commemorated Ranger Day, an occasion to commemorate and honour rangers worldwide for their dedication to the conservation and protection of our natural and cultural heritage. In South Africa (SA), the occasion was led by the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, at the national event of South African National Parks (SANParks) at the iconic Kruger National Park (KNP).
Other events were observed nationwide across SANParks’ remaining five regions known as Arid, Cape, Frontier, Garden Route and Northern Region.
In the Arid Region (Augrabies Falls, Namaqua, |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld and Kgalagadi National Park), a local school in Kgalagadi supported by rangers was educated about the importance of World Rangers Day.
In the Cape Region (Table Mountain, Agulhas, West Coast, Tankwa Karoo and Bontebok National Park) activities included a ranger’s drill by the renowned Sea, Air and Mountain Special Operations Rangers (SEAM) and the much-adored K9.In the Frontier Region (Addo Elephant, Camdeboo, Karoo and Mountain Zebra National Park) rangers put on a drilling display and simulated a poaching incident, while Mountain Zebra National Park’s detection dog, Dash and his handler put on an impressive display of the K9 unit.In the Garden Route National Park (Tsitsikamma, Knysna and Wilderness) long-serving rangers who have been in the employ for 25 years or more received certificates of appreciation. There was also tree planting and the lighting of a candle.
In the Northern Region (Marakele, Mapungubwe and Golden Gate Highlands National Park) rangers from various parks performed a drill, crime scene and K9 demonstration and handed over certificates to rangers.The international 2024 World Ranger Day theme is “30 by 30” to draw attention to the direct and tangible actions that rangers take every day to reach the global 30 by 30 targets, as set out by the Convention on Biological Diversity at the 2022 United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15). The 30×30 calling is for the effective protection and management of 30% of the world’s land, fresh waters and oceans by the year 2030.Consistent with this international theme, at SANParks the day is observed under the theme “Rangers Are Custodians of Our Heritage.” As we look at reaching the goal of 30% of SA’s land, fresh waters and oceans realising effective protection and management, we do so, conscious of the critical role played by rangers to make this vision a reality.SANParks’ mandate is the conservation of SA’s biodiversity, landscapes and associated heritage assets through a system of national parks. This responsibility is fulfilled through rangers. They are a shining example of the commitment and passion that SANParks staffs possess. Were it not for these brave men and women who risk their lives daily to protect species in our natural world, many species would face extinction.In SA, rangers encounter poaching and other wildlife crime incidents almost daily as they battle to end the decimation of species, ranging from the poaching of rhino and abalone to the illegal removal of plants such as cycads. Most of the Ranger Corps duties are focused on anti-poaching operations due to the extent of wildlife crime. SANParks rangers undergo extensive training supported by canine units, small air wing aircraft, as well as sophisticated technology as part of its anti-poaching operations.As SA celebrates 30 years of freedom and as we honour our rangers, we do so this year to particularly highlight SANParks rangers who have been in the employ of the organisation for more than 20 years. Several rangers have over 30 years of service and they continue to be examples to those who wish to embark on a career to protect our natural and cultural heritage. We salute all our rangers and honour those that have lost their lives fighting to protect our country’s heritage. We appreciate your efforts and thank you. Keep fighting the good fight and know that we stand behind you 100%.
