Ranger Welfare & Standards Initiative
Ranger Welfare & Standards Initiative
Ranger Welfare & Standards Initiative
In a groundbreaking effort to raise the working conditions and safety of Rangers across Africa, an innovative financial and welfare package of support known as the ‘Ranger Welfare and Standards Initiative’ (RWSI) has been developed by Tusk in partnership with the Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA) and financial support of The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales. The initiative also has the backing of the International Ranger Federation (IRF).
HRH The Prince of Wales, Royal Patron of Tusk, announced the launch of the RWSI in a landmark speech on 5 November 2024 at the United for Wildlife’s 3rd Global Summit in Cape Town.
The RWSI is the first sustained multi-year initiative to be rolled out across Africa, and the first time that these three organisations have collaborated on such a project.
The ambitious five-year ‘RWSI’ plan will provide 10,000 rangers with access to appropriate, affordable in-service accident, medical, evacuation and life insurance cover, together with opportunities for training and leadership development, and incorporates access to the RangerProject insurance scheme.
Rangers are the guardians of biodiversity; their role on the frontline of wildlife conservation is fundamental to environmental security and human wellbeing, and to safeguarding nature for future generations. Rangers also play a vital role in reaching the Global Biodiversity Framework targets (‘30×30’): their work can be linked to reaching 57% of the targets.
Despite the increasingly critical and varied nature of the profession, rangers are frequently exposed to life-threatening situations and their efforts to safeguard threatened species, habitats and local communities is under-valued and under-respected. Poor remuneration and working conditions, long hours and a lack of basic training and equipment are common.
The RWSI has been designed to be spearheaded by African rangers for the benefit of African rangers, with a Leadership Council composed of rangers drawn from the Wildlife Ranger Challenge, GRAA members, as well as alumni of Tusk’s prestigious Wildlife Ranger Award.
Ranger Welfare & Standards Initiative
Find further information about the RWSI via the information flyers here. Please share it with protected areas and conservation organisations in your network.
To join and enrol your rangers in RWSI, please contact chantal@tusk.org and louise@gameranger.org.
“Rangers are one of the world’s most important assets in the fight against the degradation of nature, yet they remain insufficiently recognised for their contributions. The RWSI is a broad package of support that will improve and promote the well-being, rights and professional standards of rangers across Africa to ensure that they are adequately supported, protected and empowered. We need to work together to protect the protectors and acknowledge their immense contribution to nature that benefits both people and wildlife.”
“As custodians of nature’s last great strongholds, the work of rangers matters hugely.”
