World Rangers Day: Minister of Environment, IUCN call for support for rangers

THE Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, has called on stakeholders to provide continuous support for wildlife conservation for a sustainable environment.

The minister said this at the 2024 World Rangers Day celebrated every July 31.

In a statement, the minister said, “I implore us all to renew our commitments to supporting our rangers and protecting our biodiversity to make our environment a better place to live.

“Rangers are the driving force behind the natural solution we seek, they embody hope and resilience in the face of great challenges.”

He called for increased budgetary allocations for the National Park Service (NPS) to ensure sufficient resources are available for it to function effectively.

“We must invest in robust policies and frameworks that empower rangers, creating a conducive environment for them to carry out their important work.

“By doing so, we strengthen our collective efforts and acknowledge the indispensable role rangers play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Dr Ibrahim Goni, Conservator General (CG) of NPS, in his remarks described rangers as “the foot soldiers in the battle against deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss, and climate change.

“This year, therefore, marks the 17th annual commemoration in a row since its inception in 2007.

“The theme for the 2024 event is very important and apt, ‘Rangers: The natural solution to achieving the 30 by 30 Biodiversity Targets’.

“It encapsulates the pivotal role that rangers play in safeguarding our natural heritage, joining hands to realise the ambitious global goal of conserving 30 per cent of our planet’s land and oceans by 2030.”

Dr. Grethel Aguilar is the current Director General of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The IUCN Director General in her statement for World Ranger Day said: “Rangers around the world are on the frontline of conservation efforts, safeguarding present and future generations. Yet many still face difficult situations. We remember and pay our respects to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. According to the International Ranger Federation, from June 2023 to May 2024,140 rangers from 38 countries passed away through accidents, illness and homicide.

“IUCN supports the world’s diverse community of rangers – women, men, government employees, private sector workers, community members, Indigenous guardians and volunteers – and the important work they do for protected and conserved areas. We will continue to provide them with targeted resources, skills and training.

“This year World Ranger Day celebrates the theme of ‘30 by 30’, in recognition of the key role that rangers play in achieving the conservation of 30% of our planet’s lands and water by 2030.

“As humanity strives to achieve this target, our reliance on the dedication of rangers around the world is greater than ever.

“Rangers are crucial in our mission to protect our planet and its people; we thank them sincerely for their commitment and contribution.”

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