“The status and welfare of Rangers needs urgent redressing: Rangers are the world’s guardians of biodiversity and play a pivotal role in maintaining planetary health, which is fundamental to human wellbeing. It is time that we fully recognise and support their work if we are to safeguard nature for future generations and if we are to reach the Global Biodiversity Framework targets.”

“Despite the risks they take and the incalculable value of their contribution to conservation, African Wildlife Rangers are undervalued, under-resourced, under-paid and under equipped. They frequently experience poor working conditions.  Long hours, absence of training and the lack of basic supplies such as fresh food, first aid kits, drinking water, boots, vehicles, radios and tents are all too common.”

“Wildlife Rangers are risking their lives every day to watch over species everyone loves, such as elephant, rhino and lion. It doesn’t make sense to me that when nature is in such a crisis, Rangers are still under-paid and undervalued. But the annual Wildlife Ranger Challenge provides a rare opportunity for Rangers to get together and create a powerful network of wildlife guardians.”