As we come to the end of another year, we take a moment to reflect on how remarkable 2024 has been, particularly for wildlife rangers and all the work they do.
Rangers are often at the heart of Tusk’s extraordinary array of project partnerships and events. As the people who are on the frontlines across a range of different landscapes, rangers are the backbone of safeguarding some of the world’s most important ecosystems and fauna.
This piece highlights some of this year’s most pivotal moments.
Wildlife Ranger Challenge
In 2024, the Wildlife Ranger Challenge (WRC) witnessed a record number of teams participating. On Saturday 21 September 2024, over 150 African Wildlife Ranger teams took part in the WRC, a 21 km (half-marathon) race across protected areas in 18 African countries, to raise vital funds for and awareness of the wildlife ranger profession.
Launched in response to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 with the goal of keeping wildlife rangers employed through the crisis, the WRC has grown into an annual celebration of solidarity, connection and camaraderie for the ranger profession. Racing across Africa’s protected areas, wildlife rangers unite around a common goal: to raise vital funds for frontline conservation efforts.
In September, the men’s race was won by Tanzania’s African People & Wildlife, Tarangire Ecosystem Team (B) in an incredible time of 2:06:12, while the women’s race was won by Zambia’s Frankfurt Zoological Society, Nsumbu Women’s Team in 02:33:03.
Ranger Welfare and Standards Initiative
In a groundbreaking effort to raise the working conditions and safety for rangers across Africa, 2024 saw the introduction of a new initiative to provide financial and welfare support known as the ‘Ranger Welfare and Standards Initiative’.
Developed by Tusk in partnership with the Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA) with financial support of The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales and backing from the International Ranger Federation (IRF), the five-year ‘RWSI’ plan will provide 10,000 rangers with access to appropriate, affordable in-service accident, medical, evacuation and life insurance cover.
The RWSI has been designed to be spearheaded by African rangers for the benefit of African rangers, with a Leadership Council composed of rangers drawn from the Wildlife Ranger Challenge, GRAA members, as well as alumni of Tusk’s prestigious Wildlife Ranger Award.
Ultimately, this will provide rangers with layer of protection which they haven’t had before, enabling them to continue their vital work in the knowledge that they are properly supported.
Tusk Conservation Awards
Once again, the Tusk Conservation Awards in November surpassed all expectations.
Showcasing three extraordinarily talented and passionate rangers and conservationists, the award winners, comprising of Claver Ntoyinkima, Edward Aruna, and Nomba Ganamé, served as a powerful reminder to the Award attendees of the critical importance of their projects.
This year marked the 10th anniversary of one of the awards, the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award, which was received by Claver Ntoyinkima. Inspired to become a wildlife ranger after listening to birds and animals call from the forest, Claver embodies the transformative impact we can have when we channel our dedication, vision, and profound love of the natural world to the environment around us.
Tusk’s Royal Patron, HRH The Prince of Wales addressed this year’s winners saying: “Now is the time to support those globally who work to prevent future generations from becoming disconnected from nature. We live in a world in which incredible wildlife exists, and I want that for the generations that follow. I want my children to live in a world where swallows still migrate, gorillas still live in the cloud forests of Uganda and rhinos still roam the arid rangelands of Namibia. It will be thanks to extraordinary leaders — such as those that we are celebrating today — that this will happen. They remind us of the importance of living at peace with nature; they should guide and inspire us all to drive change.”
The Awards are an important reminder that across Africa, dedicated and impassioned rangers and conservationists are leading the way when it comes to protecting and preserving our environment and biodiversity.