South Africa joins in celebration of World Ranger 2020

Event date: 2020-07-30 23:15 to 2020-07-31 22:30

Introduction and background

World Ranger Day commemorates rangers killed or injured in the line of duty, and celebrates the work rangers do to protect the world’s natural and cultural treasures. World Ranger Day is observed annually on the 31st of July, and is promoted by the 63 member associations of the International Ranger Federation (IRF), by the IRF partner the Thin Green Line Foundation, and by individuals who support the work of rangers and the IRF. The first World Ranger Day was observed in 2007 on the 15th anniversary of the founding of the IRF.

In South Africa, game rangers stand up to poachers almost daily as they battle to end the decimation of wildlife species, ranging from the poaching of rhino and abalone to the illegal removal of plants such as cycads and Proteas.

The commemoration of rangers is the brainchild of the International Rangers Federation(IRF). It is promoted by the 54 member associations of the IRF, by its partner the Thin Green Line Foundation, and by individuals who support the work of Rangers and the IRF.

The first World Ranger Day was observed in 2007 on the 15th anniversary of the founding of the IRF. Game Rangers’ Association of Africa (GRAA) The GRAA (member association of the IRF) is a longstanding and well-established defined community of practice.The GRAA provides support, networks and representation for game rangers across Africa.

Theme and messages

Honour Fallen Rangers: Pause for a moment on July 31st to honour those Rangers who have made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage. Please see the resource kit below for the 2020 Honour Roll and 2009-2020 In Memoriam.

South Africa's celebration

Minister Creecy announces a decline in rhino poaching during celebration of World Ranger Day, 31 July.

“After a decade of implementing various strategies, and campaigning against ever increasing rhino poaching by local poachers recruited and managed by crime syndicates, efforts are paying off,” said the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Ms Barbara Creecy. “We have been able to arrest the escalation of rhino losses.” Rhino poaching has decreased by almost 53% in the first six months of 2020, with 166 animals being killed for their horns across the country since the beginning of the year. During the first six months of 2019, 316 rhino had been poached in South Africa.

Media related products

Minister Creecy honours rangers on World Ranger Day 2019 at Kruger National Park

31 July 2019 - I am honoured to be here today celebrating my first World Ranger Day Commemoration, with all of you, our honoured guests. Today is also my first visit, in my official capacity as the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, to the Kruger National Park. And so it is an important honour to be with the men and women who work on the frontline of conservation and fight against poaching in protected areas across the country.

2018 commemoration: Deputy Minister Ms Barbara Thomson’s speech at the celebration and commemoration of the World Ranger Day

It is with mixed feelings that I welcome you here today to mark ‘World Ranger Day’. The Addo Elephant Park – a bastion of conservation success in our beautiful country – is the ideal place to be celebrating such an important day in the lives of rangers worldwide. You may wonder why I say I am marking this day with mixed feelings. It is because two days ago, we were burying one of our Rangers who was killed in the line of duty in the Kruger National Park by a poacher. It is also a day in which we celebrate our conservation successes – achieved with the support of our able ranger corps – and the release of 27 elephants into the picturesque section of the Addo Elephant National Park.

2017 commemoration: Minister Edna Molewa celebrates Game Rangers on World Ranger Day 2017

As South Africa celebrates World Ranger Day today, the Minister of Environmental Affairs, Dr Edna Molewa, has paid tribute to game rangers who dedicate their lives to the protection of South Africa’s rich biodiversity. World Ranger Day is supported by the International Rangers Federation, and is marked annually on the 31 July to acknowledge game rangers as dedicated guardians of the world’s natural heritage.

2016 commemoration: Minister Edna Molewa celebrates Game Rangers on World Ranger Day 2016

On the occasion of the World Ranger Day today, 31 July 2016, the Minister of Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa, has paid homage to game rangers who have dedicated their lives to working to protect South Africa’s wildlife and natural heritage. “In South Africa, our rangers are faced with a daily battle to protect our rhino – an iconic member of the Big Five, an important contributor to our economy through job creation and tourism, and a key part of our natural heritage...

2015 commemoration: Minister Molewa pays tribute to game rangers on World Ranger Day

The Minister of Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa, has paid tribute to game rangers working at the coalface of conservation in South Africa. “The work of a ranger is a diverse and complex one. They have and will continue to lead the way for us in conserving our country’s natural wonders in tribute to all that they do, let us follow in their footsteps, each and every one of us,” said Minister Molewa.

2014 commemoration: Deputy Minister Ms Barbara Thomson unveils Ranger Monument at Kruger National Park

“As government we need to boost the morale of rangers by showing them their battle against poachers and other environmental crimes are not in vain. We want to tell you that we understand and fully appreciate that rhino poaching goes much deeper than mere physical security...