Empowering Wildlife Rangers to protect our planet’s biodiversity:
The Royal Foundation, Tusk and the Game Rangers Association of Africa launch a package of support for Africa’s Wildlife Rangers
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.
In his keynote speech at the United for Wildlife Global Summit, HRH The Prince of Wales said, “We cannot protect our planet without them [rangers], which is why this initiative aims to ensure that rangers receive much needed life insurance cover, giving them and their family’s reassurance that they are protected for the dangerous job they do. It will be led by those who protect nature, for those who protect nature.”
Nick Bubb, CEO of Tusk Trust, said, “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 through the RWSI’s collaborative and progressive initiative, if we are to safeguard nature for future generations and if we are to reach the Global Biodiversity Framework targets.
“We are united in our belief that empowering rangers through the RWSI is a hugely positive development for the future of African biodiversity and, as it is replicable to other parts of the world, for the future of the planet.”
Andrew Campbell, CEO of GRAA, said, “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.”
Alice Chimbini, Ranger Welfare Programme Coordinator, Game Rangers International said, “Rangers play a critical role in safeguarding our wildlife and wild spaces. As the guardians of our biodiversity, I believe it should be every Ranger’s right to be covered by RangerProtect insurance through the RWSI.”
Mr Felix Chimeramombe, Zimparks Mid-Zambezi Senior Regional Manager, said, “This is inspirational and motivational to all the field operatives. It reassures them with a sense of protection and great care during duty execution.”
Lynne Taylor, Tashinga Initiative, said, “Being covered by the RWSI initiative is the “gatepass” to taking the first step in any of 10-day, uninterrupted foot patrols into the extreme environments in which rangers operate, particularly given they face many risks. Being morally and physically “armed” by the cover of RWSI means the world to each member of our patrol, and of course to their families. They have spoken about the collaborative initiative to their wives and children, who are very comforted knowing that this exists. Thank you.”
