Safeguarding the rights and well-being of rangers

Rangers are on the frontline of conservation, providing a crucial service to nature – and humanity. Many of them face difficult and dangerous situations on a regular basis. They may encounter poachers and other criminal and potentially armed groups while on patrol, support rescue missions, fight fires or prevent wildlife from damaging crops, thus risking and sometimes even losing their lives. Despite these dangers and hardships, the provisions in place to safeguard their interests and safety often fall short of providing meaningful response and protection and they lack the same acknowledgement other frontline workers receive. The ‘Principles for Safeguarding the Rights and Well-being of Rangers’ were developed in an effort to contribute towards the improvement of the situation rangers face around the world and to provide clear standards for practitioners and decision-makers to guide policy and action. Guidance and tools for the implementation of the principles were also developed to help close the gap between theory and practice.