Rangers protect and conserve our planet’s blue and green spaces for nature and humans alike. They deliver a multitude of essential tasks, from monitoring and research, to preventing poaching, fighting fires, and community outreach. Rangers often work with little reward and great risk. In the last 15 years, more than 1,500 rangers have been killed on duty.
The Awards’ objectives are to:
- Recognise the courageous and selfless activities of rangers across the planet (all countries) who face challenges and risks to help preserve our planet
- Motivate rangers to showcase their effort to protect wildlife and natural resources
- Raise awareness about the critical role and dedication of rangers in conservation
- Share real-life stories
- Provide award recipients with tangible benefits that will aid and support their work
The upcoming 2025 International Ranger Awards will open for nominations from 11th October 2024, at the World Ranger Congress, through 31st January 2025. Awardees will be announced during the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi (October 9 – 15, 2025).
Winners will receive awards ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to support the protected and conserved areas where they work, and a custom uniform patch to signify their achievement.
Award funds can be used towards purchasing essential supplies or equipment, providing training, supporting the family of a deceased ranger, or other ranger welfare activities.
The International Ranger Award aims to recognize all types of rangers including Indigenous, community, and volunteer rangers as well as those employed in protected and conserved areas. Nominations are encouraged regardless of duties, gender, ethnicity, or geographic location.
To nominate a ranger or a ranger team:
- review Eligibility and Selection Criteria
- Register atranger.awardsplatform.com
- Fill in and submit the form.
If you want to become a partner or join the supporter circle, read morehere.
Message from the IUCN DG and WCPA Chair
To date, 59 awards have been presented to teams and individuals from 32 countries, totaling a value of $480,000.
In 2023, nine exceptional rangers and ranger teams (five rangers and four ranger teams) were recognized by the award partners. The winners were selected from a pool of more than 114 nominations from 52 countries and were chosen for their exceptional work in preserving and protecting natural and cultural resources. Winners were from South Africa, Colombia, Ethiopia, Mexico, Brazil, Bhutan, Malysia, Ukraine, and Philippines.
