World Ranger Day 2024
The CIC joins in commemorating World Ranger Day 2024!
Celebrated worldwide on July 31st, the initiative celebrates the work of rangers in protecting the planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage, while honouring those harmed in the line of duty.
For 2024, the World Ranger Day theme is “30 by 30”, highlighting the importance of Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which states that least 30 per cent of the planet should be effectively conserved and managed by 2030.
Rangers are an integral part of ensuring our world operates safely and sustainably, with rangers working across numerous sectors on conservation, management, monitoring, enforcement and more.
They can be found in both state and private institutions, often working alongside countless volunteers dedicated to supporting planetary and human well-being.
Ensuring rangers are well equipped and trained to carry out their work is therefore a crucial element of meeting Target 3 of the GBF.
This commitment to the global environmental agenda shows parallels with the CIC’s recently adopted 2030 Strategic Plan, which also includes Target 3 among the six key GBF Targets for the organisation’s work on the road towards the end of this decade.
The 2030 Strategic Plan supports the following GBF Targets, all of which address and touch upon facets of the CIC and its extended Network.
- Target 3: Protect & Conserve 30% of Land by 2030 (“30×30”)
- Target 4: Halt Species Extinction and Manage Human-Wildlife Conflicts
- Target 5: Sustainable, Safe and Legal Harvest / Trade of Wild Species
- Target 6: Reduce Invasive Species by 50%
- Target 9: Manage Wild Species Sustainably to Benefit People
- Target 21: Ensure Knowledge Is Available / Accessible to Guide Biodiversity Action
Indeed, the work of rangers and others contributing towards the fight against wildlife crime is also a core component of the CIC’s 2nd Global Priority as noted in the 2030 Strategic Plan, which places Sustainable Use at the Heart of Policy Change.
As an extension of today’s commemoration, the International Ranger Federation – which operates World Ranger Day – will be hosting its 10th IRF World Ranger Congress in Hyeres, France from 7-11 October.
The 30×30 theme will be explored further at the Congress, which will focus on the contributions and evolution of the ranger profession to achieve Target 3 of the GBF.
The CIC will be in attendance in France to participate in the event, providing input while reflecting on the implementation of GBF Targets through the 2030 Strategic Plan since its adoption in April of this year.
