Every year on July 31, the world honours the brave men and women who serve as rangers—guardians of our natural and cultural heritage.
World Ranger Day is not just a day of celebration, but a solemn moment to remember rangers who have been injured or lost their lives in the line of duty, often under dangerous and unforgiving conditions.
These unsung heroes patrol protected areas, combat poaching, prevent illegal logging, manage wildfires, and mediate human-wildlife conflict.
Their work is crucial for preserving biodiversity and tackling climate change. Whether in the depths of forests, on rugged mountains, or across vast savannahs, rangers are at the forefront of conservation.
This year's theme, "Rangers: Powering Transformative Conservation," highlights their evolving role in shaping the future of our planet. With global goals like protecting 30% of land and oceans by 2030, the need for trained and well-supported rangers has never been more urgent.
According to the International Ranger Federation (IRF), the world currently has around 286,000 rangers, but 1.5 million are needed by the end of the decade to meet global conservation targets.
