Press & Media

Rangers are some of the most essential workers on the planet. They protect and manage the world's protected and conserved areas, covering over 15% of the Earth's land surface and 8% of our oceans. There are an estimated 286,000 rangers worldwide.

Rangers are the frontline defenders of biodiversity. They conduct patrols, monitor wildlife, combat poaching, manage human-wildlife conflict, engage with communities, fight wildfires, and educate visitors. Without rangers, protected areas would face severe degradation.

Despite their critical role, rangers often work in poor conditions with inadequate pay, limited equipment, insufficient training, and lack of legal protections. Many face daily dangers including armed poachers, wildlife attacks, and extreme weather.

Key challenges include inadequate funding, poor working conditions, lack of professional recognition, limited career progression, insufficient training, exposure to violence and trauma, and the growing impacts of climate change on protected areas.

The WRC brings together rangers from around the world to share experiences, build networks, develop solutions, and advance the ranger profession. Each congress produces a declaration addressing key issues facing rangers globally.

The Global Biodiversity Framework aims to protect 30% of the planet by 2030. Rangers are essential to achieving this target. The WRC helps build the capacity and recognition needed for rangers to fulfill this expanded role.

The 11th WRC will produce the Iguazu Declaration — a landmark statement emphasizing the role of rangers in nature conservation. It will also generate recommendations, action plans, and strengthened partnerships for ranger communities worldwide.