Rudo Mandiro
AS the world commemorates World Ranger Day, a clarion call has been made for corporates to join forces with dedicated conservationists to safeguard the welfare of Zimbabwe’s wildlife rangers.
This year’s celebration is marked under the theme ’30 by 30′ meaning that at least 30 percent of the planet should be effectively conserved and managed by 2030.
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority(Zimparks) spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo said World Ranger Day provides a moment when everyone involved in conservation can commemorate those men and women who died or were injured while looking after wildlife.
“According to the National Ranger Federation 140 rangers from 37 countries lost their lives during the first six months of the year while more than 1300 rangers have died on duty since 2014,” said Mr Farawo.
Southern Africa Director at Wild Africa Mr Guy Jennings opines that supporting ranger welfare is a moral imperative and a sound business strategy.
“By investing in conservation, corporates can help ensure the long-term sustainability of natural resources, promote eco-tourism, and contribute to the well-being of local communities,” said Mr Jennings.
Ecologist working in the Save Valley Conservancy for Anti-Poaching and Tracking Specialists, Mr Moses Mutemeri, highlighted some of the problems that rangers face in their line of duty.
“This job doesn’t come without challenges and the biggest of them all is living far away from family and all the risks associated with coexisting with wild animals.”
Zimbabwe Representative at Wild Africa, Farai Chapoterera, urged businesses to support wildlife conservation.
“We need corporates to step up and support our rangers, to help us provide the resources and equipment they need to do their job effectively. It’s not just about writing a cheque, it’s about committing to the future of our planet.
Going beyond businesses, rangers need the support of their local communities as they are away from their families for long periods, and can sometimes clash with poachers.”
With Africa having lost two-thirds of its wildlife since 1970, according to WWF’s Living Planet Report, rangers stand in the gap to protect many threatened and vulnerable species.
Their work is also crucial for preserving wildlife for tourism, which creates jobs and boosts both local and national economies.
According to the United Nations World Tourism Association, 80 percent of tourists come to Africa for the safari experience, positioning wildlife as the biggest driver of Africa’s tourism growth.
