RANGER SUCCESS
AT THE WORLD PARKS CONGRESS

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By Dave Zeller: President, International Ranger Federation.

The occasion of the 5th World Parks Congress (WPC) in Durban South Africa in September 2003 was the International Ranger Federation’s (IRF) first organized contribution to a major international conservation event. This congress offered a rare opportunity to highlight to a global audience of over 3,000 delegates, the important role of Rangers and the great difficulties under which they work throughout the world.
IRF Delegates in their distinctive Blue Shirts
(which became a collector’s item).

Determined to be heard
The small group of Rangers who met together in a hotel room in Durban the night before the opening of WPC were not overly optimistic about our chances of being heard by the international conservation community. Our submissions on “Ranger Competencies” and “Protecting the Protector” had been ignored by the conference organizers, (IUCN - The World Conservation Union www.iucn.org ) in the pre-congress preparations, and we all had past experience of seeing the real issues buried in purely academic and bureaucratic debate at such international gatherings.

But Rangers the world over are dedicated and passionate about the natural and cultural heritage for which they are responsible. Without the “Protectors” there would be no protected areas and we were therefore determined to bring these real issues to the attention of the international conservation community.

Nelson Mandela inspiring
So it was that the WPC opening ceremony saw 36 Rangers in their specially commissioned blue IRF shirts seated together in an impressive group. Nelson Mandela’s opening speech was inspiring, in particular his reference to the importance of youth in conservation. Then the real work began and during the next nine days the IRF delegates contributed intelligently, meaningfully and skillfully, bringing a sense of realism to the debate. Valuable contributions were also made outside the formal proceedings; in the corridors, in private meetings, over a cup of tea during the breaks, and especially in discussions with visitors to the IRF exhibition booth. The group of Rangers supporting the IRF contribution to WPC eventually grew to 52 Rangers, from 22 countries.

“Rangers must be well equipped”
The valuable contribution of the Rangers to the various discussions was soon recognized, with panelists commenting positively on the role of the Ranger. Some comments from leaders and panelists included:

- "that Rangers must be well equipped, trained and supported”,
- "Rangers are out there every day, they are our eyes and ears on the ground, sometimes risking their lives, and we need to help them”,
- "we need to get the Rangers out there, and this is urgent”,
- "maybe we should be focusing on the people who are out there protecting the biodiversity for all the world",
- “I haven't had much exposure in the past to Rangers and it was fascinating to talk and interact with them”,

And to paraphrase an often repeated compliment, “It is great to see so many Rangers in attendance, bringing real issues to the world’s attention”.

The young Rangers made a huge impact on youth issues, and very smartly turned the youth debate from paying mere 'lip service' into focusing on genuine issues.

The IRF hotel suite became the nerve centre for delegate report-backs and strategy meetings though all was not dull, as meeting with friends and colleagues from across the world also necessitated some typical Ranger socializing. The IRF booth in the exhibition centre was manned by Rangers in uniform throughout WPC and generated a lot of new, very good friends; in government, NGO’s and the donor community, and was a very worthwhile effort.

Rangers receive standing ovation and practical recognition
It was a proud and moving moment, when John Makombo an IRF delegate from Uganda accepted an IUCN “Packard Award” on behalf of “all the Rangers who have lost their lives in the course of duty”. After his moving acceptance speech John asked the Rangers in the audience to stand and be recognized, to a standing ovation. On presenting the award, Kenton Miller of IUCN announced the creation of a fund for the support of the families of Rangers who died whilst on duty. This fund will be jointly managed by the IUCN and IRF. The IUCN has made the first significant contribution to the fund, and IRF will be seeking matching donations to increase the size of the fund to aid the ever increasing number of widowed and orphaned Ranger families.

What did the IRF achieve at WPC?
In terms of having important Ranger issues debated, I believe that we achieved far more than we ever thought possible.

- No less than 20 IRF recommendations are contained in the official WPC Recommendations!
- The IRF gained a lot of new friends who can be of great support to the IRF in the future.
- We also met Rangers from countries who were unaware of the IRF, and this will hopefully lead to a number of new national associations joining the international family of Rangers.

It is gratifying that for the first time, the international conservation community appears to be listening to the rangers - that “thin green line” of professionals at the coal-face of conservation.

The road ahead
IRF are committed to working with the international conservation community in ensuring that the outcomes of WPC are put into practice as tangible benefits to Parks and beyond:

- We all share common goals and with the recognition of the professional contribution that Rangers can make, we can contribute significantly to the sustainable conservation of the natural and cultural heritage for the benefit of all, and in particular of the youth, local communities and indigenous peoples.
- We must focus on ensuring that Rangers are properly empowered and resourced to carry out their important work safely and competently. Institutions and agencies must heed the recommendations from WPC, in ensuring that support is in place, including harsh penalties for attacks on Rangers.
- We will be expanding the already successful IRF youth involvement initiatives.
- We will be working with international and continental bodies towards the creation of a “Green Helmet Brigade” for rapid response and intervention in protected areas under threat through conflict.
- Doing all that needs to be done will require funding, and we will need to call on our new (and old) friends in the donor community and take advantage of the increased profile of the IRF in sourcing the necessary funding.
- We must also take the gains made during WPC to the next Convention on Biodiversity meeting in 2004.

To all those Rangers out there who could not attend WPC, being at your posts and on duty day-to-day is the real issue. Your contribution, dedication and devotion to the sustainable conservation and protection of the natural and cultural heritage is why we were at WPC.

Thank you.

David Zeller: President
International Ranger Federation
Private Bag X405
Skukuza
South Africa

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