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The Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA) was founded in 1970 as a non-racial, non-political organisation. The Game Rangers Association of Africa is a properly constituted association and has been registered as a non-profit organisation and has been granted exemption from taxes on donations.
Although over thirty five years old, the Association has only now been able to grow out of the darkness of the apartheid years, and with the right support, can soon reach its full potential as a major force in the conservation arena of Africa.
The Game Rangers Association of Africa believes that the continued future existence of Africa's wilderness and its wildlife is ultimately and irrevocably liked to the expertise, ethics and motivation of those tasked with the "on the ground" protection and management of this priceless asset. This involves inter alia the conservation of the natural heritage, and the promotion of sustainable utilization of natural resources, ecotourism, community involvement and environmental education. The Ranger in Africa has many real needs, but without real support and relevant training the Ranger will fail, and Africa's priceless natural and cultural heritage will be lost forever.
During the Third World Congress of the International Ranger Federation held in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, during September 2000, a Memorandum of African Continental Understanding was signed by all of the African delegates present. This Protocol acknowledges the Game Rangers Association of Africa as the voice of the Ranger in Africa, and binds the signatories into forming National Associations within their own countries, which Associations will be affiliated to the Game Rangers Association of Africa. The Ivory Coast has already established a National Ranger Association, while many countries, including, Cameroon, Egypt, Kenya, Namibia, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia are in the process of the formation of National Associations.
The Game Rangers Association of Africa currently has a membership of over 650 from all over Africa, which is growing steadily, and will grow even more rapidly as National Associations are formed throughout Africa. Although the majority of members live and work in Southern Africa, members come from all over Africa and can even be found in on all continents outside of Africa. Membership includes well-known international figures of Dr Ian Player of South Africa and Dr Ian Khama of Botswana.
The GRAA is proud to have Mr Michael Williams-Jones, retired Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of United International Pictures (UIP), and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, as Patron of the GRAA for the United Kingdom.
