2023 World Ranger Day

World Ranger Day is celebrated worldwide on July 31st to commemorate Rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work Rangers do to protect the planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage.

Let’s pause for a moment to reflect on the courage and sacrifice that Rangers make; by honouring Fallen Rangers and standing with Rangers who bravely undertake their role on the frontline.

World Ranger Day is an International Ranger Federation initiative promoted together with The Thin Green Line .

The 2023 World Ranger Day theme is ’30 by 30‘ based on the 2022 United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15), where a Global Biodiversity Framework was agreed upon by world leaders and decision-makers. Target 3 outlined a requirement that at least 30 per cent of the planet is effectively conserved and managed by 2030 (’30 by 30’).

This target cannot be achieved without adequately resourced and trained area-based workforce.

At the forefront of this workforce are rangers and protected area workers, encompassing state employed personnel, Indigenous peoples, community and voluntary guardians, and personnel of privately managed areas. Their work includes protection, conservation, monitoring, visitor services, fire management, law enforcement, education, community support, and regulation of sustainable use.

IRF President Chris Galliers’ 2023 WRD Message