The 2nd African Ranger Congress (ARC), which was postponed for 2 years because of the COVID pandemic, was finally and very successfully held from 14 to 18 September 2022 in Kasane, Botswana. Over 90 rangers from 12 different countries were in attendance. 

Kasane was a perfect base to discover the wonders of Chobe National Park, with its vast elephant herds and wildlife populations. The Victoria Falls are also just an hour away and a number of rangers got to see this magnificent world wonder. Kasane is also in the center of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) which incorporates Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, making it an ideal location to host a regional congress of rangers.

The engaging programme addressed key topics of the Universal Ranger Support Alliance (URSA) action plan. The overall theme of the congress was the professionalisation of rangers. Experts in the URSA topics addressed gave presentations and panel discussions. Great progress was made and key learnings taken!

The Kasane Call to Action for Rangers was written by all delegates. It is the rangers' voices and we need to amplify it, so please share far and wide with your networks, which highlights key findings from the Congress. This Call to Action will be taken to the next World Ranger Congress, ensuring the African Ranger's voice is heard at a global level. 

Congress delegates also got to experience the wildlife paradise that is the Chobe National Park, both on an afternoon game drive and a must-do sunset boat cruise. This provided delegates a perfect opportunity share experiences and grow their networks. 

The 2nd African Ranger Congress was a massively successful event BY rangers FOR rangers, hosted by GRAA. A huge thanks to the International Ranger Federation, the Thin Green Line Foundation, URSA, the Wildlife Ranger Challenge and the African Conservation Awards. Without your support, none of this would have been possible!

Special thanks also to Kwalape Safari Lodge for having us and our in-country hosts, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Botswana. Thank you to GRAA Honorary Member, John Turner and GRAA Member, Snowy Botha for going the extra miles to get drinks and the SA Shuttle donated. We appreciate your constant willingness to help.

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