Harare, (New Ziana) – The sixth edition of the Wildlife Ranger Challenge was launched in Nairobi, Kenya, on Tuesday to highlight that Africa’s wildlife rangers are no longer just protectors of animals, but also frontline defenders of nature, climate, and community well-being.
‘’As the world races towards 2030 biodiversity targets, it is time to see these men and women not (just as) foot soldiers but as leaders and invest in their welfare, training, and recognition,’’ Challenge organisers, Tusk and the Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA) said in a joint statement.
Today, the continent’s nearly 60,000 rangers are educators, peacekeepers, first responders, and community leaders who bridge conservation and human development From preventing poaching and protecting carbon-rich landscapes to supporting livelihoods and responding to local crisis, their role is essential for both planetary and community resilience.
Nick Bubb, Chief Executive at Tusk, said: “Rangers are much more than guardians of wildlife. They are embedded in their communities, protecting the ecosystems that sustain life, while also responding to emergencies, supporting livelihoods, and fostering peace,’’ adding: ‘’The Wildlife Ranger Challenge celebrates their courage and resilience, while calling on the global community to invest in their future.’’
The Wildlife Ranger Challenge brings together more than 170 ranger teams across 24 African countries in a multi-month campaign of endurance, teamwork, and global solidarity. The initiative culminates in a synchronised 21 km race on 20 September, with rangers running in full gear, carrying 22 kg backpacks, to demonstrate the physical and mental demands of their daily work on the frontline of conservation.
Organised by Tusk and GRAA, with support from founding donor Mark Scheinberg, the Challenge has grown into the largest annual celebration of Africa’s wildlife rangers, raising over $21 million since its launch in 2020.
This year, the spotlight is on rangers as community leaders, not just conservation heroes. The final days of the Challenge coincide with the African Ranger Congress, a policy-focused gathering hosted by GRAA from September 17 to 21 at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya.
While the Challenge rallies public and philanthropic support through storytelling and solidarity, the African Ranger Congress convenes advocates for professionalisation, fair employment standards, and long-term investment in ranger welfare.
Louise de Bruin, Chief Executive at Game Rangers’ Association of Africa said; “The GRAA is delighted to be an organising partner of the Wildlife Ranger Challenge, an event that shines a global spotlight on the vital and diverse work of rangers.’’
Rachel Sibanda, a ranger at the Great Plains Biodiversity Ranger along the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe said: “The involvement of female rangers in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge highlights their endurance, survival skills, and physical and mental health. It raises awareness about the critical work they do in protecting the natural world.”
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