About the Rangers
That there are viable populations of all the great ape species left in the wild today is solely due to the commitment and dedication of the “Thin Green Line” of Rangers who protect these magnificent animals and their habitats. Through all the vicissitudes of war, genocide, logging, mining and hunting the Rangers have remained at their posts and have carried out their vital role in saving the great apes with great courage and determination, in arduous and often perilous circumstances, and at great risk to their own life.
Far too frequently Rangers are killed while protecting great apes.
By providing direct and tangible support for the Rangers, Gearing up for Gorillas will not only improve the capacity and efficiency of the Rangers to better carry out their vital role in saving the great apes and associated fauna and flora, but will also go a long way to improving the safety and operational conditions of the Rangers.
Your contribution will also provide much needed moral support for the Rangers, letting them know that they are not alone in this crucial struggle, and that their dedication and tremendous efforts are greatly appreciated and valued.
David Zeller - President
International Ranger Federation
About the Rangers…
Rangers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) go about their daily work with very limited resources, often in extremely dangerous situations. They work within five National Parks in DRC, all officially classified as ‘World Heritage Sites – in Danger’ by the World Heritage Committee.
Although wildlife is not confined to National Parks, these five World Heritage Sites are the last refuge for many of the worlds endangered and threatened species. In eastern DRC, the Virunga National Park, is home to a host of rare wildlife, not least around half of the last remaining mountain gorillas. The gorillas are under intense threat – as are the rangers who work there.
Over the last decade, over 100 rangers have been killed whilst on duty in DRC. Nine lost their lives during 2004.
At the 5th World Parks Congress in Durban, S Africa, 2003, the World Conservation Union (IUCN) recognised, through the Fred M Packard Merit Award, the bravery of the rangers who work in very dangerous situations – protecting the ‘thin green line’.
The award recognises those who have made special contributions to the service of protected areas above and beyond the call of duty:
To all rangers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Rangers and others working at field level in areas of conflict often find themselves on the frontline of a conservation battle. It is an extraordinary testimony to their dedication, commitment and passion for conservation that they work in the most difficult of circumstances and that some make the ultimate sacrifice. IUCN and the International Ranger Federation have committed to raising the profile of this important issue at the Vth IUCN World Parks Congress. IUCN is therefore providing an amount to support the families of rangers who have lost their lives in the course of duty. This will be jointly managed by IUCN and the International Ranger Federation.
Back in 1981, the World Conservation Union gave this similarly worded award to the rangers:
Deceased Guards of Virunga National Park, Zaire
During the turmoil between 1960 and 1967, over twenty rangers gave their lives in the defence of Virunga National Park. Their valour in this critical period ensured the survival of a World Heritage Site for all humanity.
With your help, G4G would like to prevent the DRC rangers accepting any further such awards.
