You can join in this World Ranger Day by joining SANParks online for a virtual event in honour of rangers from around the world and those that lost their lives in the line of duty.
South Africa (29 July 2022) – The work that rangers do for conservation has become increasingly demanding – and often dangerous. Rangers must confront poachers and brave the elements, often risking their lives in the line of duty.
World Ranger Day is celebrated annually on 31 July to acknowledge their important contribution to conservation and to honour them for their courage and dedication. Tribute is also paid to those killed or injured in the line of duty.
To celebrate World Ranger Day 2022, South African National Parks (SANParks) and the SANParks Honorary Rangers (SHR) – the official volunteer organisation of SANParks – is organising a virtual event in collaboration with international conservation organisations.
The aim of the event is to share stories of rangers in various countries across the globe, to create awareness of what it takes to be a ranger, and to acknowledge the remarkable work they do.
“Rangers across the world face daily threats and despite it all they continue to protect many of treasured and at times, endangered flora and fauna such as the elephant, rhino, cycad, pangolin and abalone. Our country’s natural heritage is the foundation for the tourism economy and without the contribution of these brave men and women the conservation and tourism sectors would be poorer. We stand together with the world as we celebrate and salute these courageous and caring heroes that we call Rangers.” – Hapiloe Sello, SANParks Acting Chief Executive
Contributing organisations will include Game Rangers Association of Africa, National Park Service (US), Peace Parks Foundation, WWF South Africa (in partnership with USAID) and the SANParks SEAM (Sea, Air and Mountain) team.
The programme will end with a candle-lighting ceremony led by SANParks General Manager: Area Integrity, Dr Nicholus Funda to pay tribute to those who have died in the line of duty.
How to join
The webinar will be held via Zoom on Saturday 30 July at 14:00 and will be streamed directly to the SHR Facebook page (SANParksHonoraryRangers).
Donations by the public will be allocated to Project Embrace, which aims to provide programmes and structures that support ranger well-being and resilience. More information is available here: https://www.sanparksvolunteers.org/project-embrace/.
World Ranger Day is an International Ranger Federation initiative promoted together The Thin Green Foundation.
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