World Ranger Day - 31 July

Tags: Important Days

World Ranger Day is observed annually on 31 July as a day to honour and appreciate courageous individuals committed to wildlife conservation and natural resource conservation.

An Overview of the News

• The day acknowledges the selfless efforts of rangers around the world, who work tirelessly to protect fragile ecosystems and endangered species, which deserve the utmost respect and appreciation.

• The theme for World Ranger Day 2023 is "30 by 30", focusing on the momentum for the 2022 United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15). The theme highlights the goal of protecting and effectively managing at least 30 percent of the planet's areas by 2030, stressing the urgent need for increased conservation efforts to protect ecosystems and biodiversity.

History of World Ranger Day

• It originates from the International Ranger Federation (IRF), an organisation formed in 1992 to advocate for and assist park rangers globally.

• World Ranger Day was inaugurated in 2007, dedicated to the memory of eight rangers who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

• Over the years, World Ranger Day has gained wide recognition as an annual event to honour and appreciate the invaluable contribution made by rangers.

• The day serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the various challenges and risks that rangers face during their important work of protecting wildlife and natural habitats.