Celebrating Rangers on World Ranger Day
On World Ranger Day, we celebrate the vital role of rangers in conservation and honour those who have sacrificed their lives protecting nature. Rangers are the custodians of our planet, essential to advancing global biodiversity goals and ensuring a sustainable future for both people and nature. Their work in managing vast areas of land and water significantly contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including the target of protecting 30% of the planet by 2030 (30x30).
This year, once again in recognition of rangers and their work we are excited to announce the launch of the 2024 African Conservation Awards, set to take place in November. These awards will recognize the exceptional contributions of rangers across Africa, underscoring their critical role in global planetary health which all humans and nature rely upon to survive.
We are also proud to be organising partners, alongside Tusk Trust, of the Wildlife Ranger Challenge which launches today. This event is set to take place on 21st September and has contributed to over $18.5 million to uplifting rangers across Africa since 2020. A significant achievement!
On World Ranger Day we encourage all beneficiaries of ecosystem services—such as clean air, water regulation, soil health, and protection from natural disasters—to join us in celebrating and supporting rangers. Their work is vital for both human well-being and environmental health. We remember and honour our fallen colleagues both in Africa and globally. Just this week we lost five of our African Parks ranger colleagues in Benin (alongside seven soldiers) in an attack by militant jihadists in W National Park. An absolute tragedy highlighting the odds rangers face.
The Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA) reports 64 ranger deaths in Africa over the past year. Since 2011, over 700 African rangers have lost their lives, with at least 353 killed by militant groups, terrorists, or poachers. The International Ranger Federation reports that 140 rangers worldwide have died in the past year while on duty.
"On World Ranger Day, we pay tribute to our fallen ranger colleagues and acknowledge their steadfast dedication. We honour their immense sacrifices and celebrate the bravery of rangers working to protect our natural world for the benefit of us all. Today, and every day, we will put rangers first. Happy World Ranger Day!" said Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, Game Rangers' Association of Africa