World Ranger Day (31 July 2021)

 

Around the globe, park rangers are on the front line in the fight to protect our natural heritage. World Ranger Day offers a chance to support their vital work, which ranges from environmental campaigning to education. The day is also an opportunity to pay tribute to rangers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

It’s estimated there are more than 100,000 reserves, parks and protected areas around the world. World Ranger Day was created by the International Ranger Federation and was first held in 2007.

Many mistakenly think America’s Yellowstone National Park is the oldest national park in the world, but there’s one that is over 100 years older. Established by the Mongolian government in 1778, the area surrounding Bogd Khan Uul Mountain is the oldest national park in the world.

Many events are being staged around the world, including guided walks and screenings of the documentary The Thin Green Line. If there isn’t an event in your area, you could organize one – and help to raise awareness of the vital role performed by custodians of the world’s parks.

Learn about World Ranger Day

World Ranger Day is celebrated to commemorate Rangers that have been injured or killed in the line of duty. It also celebrates all of the work that Rangers do around the world to protect the cultural heritage and natural treasures of the planet.  

What is a Ranger?

A Ranger typically refers to a forest ranger or a park ranger. A Ranger is a person that is charged with preserving and protecting parklands and natural protected areas. 

Rangers will usually work with other volunteers and staff members in order to maintain bridges, stiles, gates, and footpaths. They are also the eyes and ears of the national park authority, spending most of their time out and about. They provide contact between the national park authority and between local people and visitors. 

Rangers need to have a lot of local knowledge of the history of the national park and the wildlife, as well as where to go and what to see. They help answer questions about the park from the public. However, their work goes a lot further than this. They also have to look out for any potential problems, and because they are dealing with live animals, it can be very risky. 

To become a Ranger, practical skills and the right knowledge are needed. Aside from this, a degree in environmental management, conservation, or a similar subject is typically required.

The true dangers of being a park ranger

You may think that the real danger of being a park ranger comes from the animals and the national landscape. In fact, you would be wrong! Statistics show that park rangers are facing more dangers than ever before. Assaults on park rangers are at an all-time high. In fact, park rangers are more likely to be assaulted than FBI agents and border patrol officers! 

A lot of experts have spoken about the increased risk, and they believe it is down to the fact that there are more park visitors than ever before but there 50 percent less rangers today as there used to be in the ‘80s. Therefore, while Rangers are often dealing with wild animals and their safety is at risk in this sense, this is not the only danger that they need to worry about. 

History of World Ranger Day

The first World Ranger Day took place in 2007, the date represented the 15th anniversary of when the IRF was founded. IRF stands for the International Ranger Federation. This organization was founded in 1992.

It was founded when the ANPR (U.S. Association of National Park Rangers), SCRA (Scottish Countryside Rangers Association), and the CMA (Countryside Management Association, which represents rangers in Wales and England), got together and signed a joint agreement.

This agreement was to raise support and awareness of the critical work that rangers around the globe do when it comes to conserving cultural and natural heritage. 

Happy World Ranger Day!

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