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The Wildlife Ranger Challenge

Help raise funds for frontline conservation efforts across Africa, and awareness of their vital role for global biodiversity
Katie Hill - Editor-in-Chief, My Green Pod
The Wildlife Ranger Challenge

Ahead of World Ranger Day on Monday 31 July 2023, more than 100 teams of rangers across Africa are gearing up for the fourth annual Wildlife Ranger Challenge.

Coordinated by African conservation charity Tusk and the Game Rangers Association of Africa, the multi-million fundraising initiative features a series of fitness challenges and culminates with a 21km half-marathon race on 16 September 2023. 

You can find out more, donate to the cause or sign up to run in solidarity with Africa’s conservation heroes on 16 September 2023 at WildlifeRangerChallenge.org.

$1million in matched funds

Whether covering 5km, 10km or 21km, Wildlife Ranger Challenge supporters from all over the world have made a huge difference to those on the front line of conservation in Africa.

Previous campaign supporters include names such as Leonardo DiCaprio, HRH The Prince of Wales, Eliud Kipchoge, Bear Grylls, Naomi Campbell and Behati Prinsloo.

The Scheinberg Relief Fund has generously committed $1million in matched funds in support of rangers most in need.

A celebration of solidarity

Launched in response to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 with the goal of keeping wildlife rangers employed through the crisis, the Wildlife Ranger Challenge has grown into an annual celebration of solidarity, connection and camaraderie for the ranger profession.

The campaign joins thousands of rangers from 24 African nations with supporters from over 90 countries across the world – uniting the global north and the global south for a common goal: to raise money to boost thousands of rangers and ensure a future for Africa’s biodiversity.

‘As the threats facing wildlife and the natural world continue to grow, wildlife rangers face mounting pressures and dangerous working conditions. I strongly encourage anyone who can, to support the amazing and important work of rangers. Join us to raise vital funds for the frontline conservation efforts, which too often go unappreciated.’

BEAR GRYLLS
Adventurer and Tusk Ambassador

Biodiversity guardians

Wildlife rangers play a critical role in the conservation of protected and conserved areas. As biodiversity guardians they are responsible for safeguarding nature and cultural and historical heritage, as well as protecting the rights and wellbeing of present and future generations.

However, as it stands, the proposed increases in coverage of protected and conserved areas to 30% of the planet would require an increase of around 2000% in the number of rangers employed in Africa – if the IUCN’s guideline of ranger coverage by area were to be followed.

A more effective way of increasing the efficiency of the management of protected and conserved areas is to boost the support provided to ranger teams and to catalyse the development of the ranger profession as a whole.

This can only happen with increased recognition of the fundamental contribution rangers make to conservation. 

Working conditions for rangers

Rangers often operate under poor and dangerous working environments with inadequate employment conditions.

Threats, violence, injury, disease and death are not uncommon, as reflected in the annual Roll of Honour data, released by the International Ranger Federation.

A global survey conducted by WWF in 2019 further signifies how rangers are commonly under-resourced, under-appreciated and unrecognised, with almost 70% of rangers surveyed contracting malaria within a 12-month period.

The average ranger works almost 90 hours a week under extremely tough conditions: whilst on patrol, over 40% of rangers have no access to shelter at night, and over 60% of rangers have no access to drinking clean water.

On top of this, over 40% of rangers have received threats from community members and 14% have even experienced physical violence.

With the Wildlife Ranger Challenge, Tusk aims to highlight the immense challenges the rangers continue to face, and the incredible diversity of their work, whilst raising funds to help them continue safeguarding Africa’s wildlife.

‘For many years, wildlife rangers have been on the frontlines of conservation, risking their lives to protect our planet’s endangered species and ecosystems. They work tirelessly to preserve nature and safeguard against poaching, illegal logging and other human activities that harm the environment.

‘Without their dedication and commitment, the world’s wildlife populations and fragile ecosystems could be lost forever. By supporting wildlife rangers, we can help protect these endangered species and preserve the natural world for future generations.

‘It is our responsibility to show our gratitude and respect for the critical work that they do by providing them with the necessary resources, tools and funding to continue their work.’

JOSEPH PIRORIS
3rd In-Charge of Armed Security and Head of the Canine unit at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Training challenges and the race

Rangers can spend hours a day in challenging terrain, and for their safety and wellbeing rangers train to keep in peak physical shape.

In the lead-up to race day, ranger teams prepare by taking part in a targeted training programme designed to improve their physical fitness.

They will test their abilities with a series of training mini challenges, including push-up and sit-up challenges, and a specialist quiz testing their wildlife knowledge.

The Wildlife Ranger Challenge also features a canine challenge for protected areas with dog units, in which dogs and handlers will compete to demonstrate their tracking skills, using scent to identify an object across a pre-defined competition space.

On 16 September 2023, more than 100 ranger teams will compete in a coordinated 21km race across their respective landscapes carrying 22kg of kit. They will be joined by supporters across the globe, running in solidarity #ForWildlifeRangers. 

The ranger fund

With over $16 million raised to date, the Wildlife Ranger Challenge seeks to increase the support for the ranger workforce by widening access to essential equipment, enhanced training and protective measures.

Founding donor the Scheinberg Relief Fund has committed $1 million in matched funds in support of rangers most in need in 2023.

A global, collaborative public fundraising campaign for the Wildlife Ranger Challenge has the additional goal of raising $3 million to support thousands of rangers in the field. 

The Wildlife Ranger Challenge 2023 will spotlight the ever-diversifying role of rangers to demonstrate their wider roles as conservationists, teachers, community support workers and leaders, contributing not just to their immediate communities but to global UN Sustainable Development Goals.

As the challenge develops, it aims to become a movement amongst rangers and their colleagues across borders – driving global recognition and support, along with improvements for the welfare of rangers in the field across Africa.

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