Community rangers: At the Center of Biodiversity Conservation

Community conservation is vital in saving the remaining world’s flora and fauna. At the center of community conservation are the rangers. The community rangers are the heroes and hope for the survival of threatened species. They are on the frontline, patrolling up and down the jungle regardless of its perils to safeguard wildlife and their habitats.

The well-coordinated community rangers give hope to species conservation efforts. They overcome the difficulties associated with the work and perform their daily tasks of patrolling the jungle, looking for illegal loggers and poachers, raising their voices for the animals, managing Human-Wildlife conflict, and creating education and awareness to local communities and institutions. They clearly understand our conservancies through accurate data collection and timely reporting of wildlife affairs. As a matter of fact, rangers are humane. When encountering injured wildlife, they respond quickly by involving the wildlife vets for medication. They also patrol the jungle to remove snares and rescue trapped animals from the pangs of poachers.

The Pwani landscape is a sight to behold, a paradise for all who appreciate the beauty of nature. From the majestic mountains and waterfalls of Shimba Hills to the serene sandy beaches, the diverse cultures, and the abundant birdlife and wild games, the Pwani landscape is a treasure trove of natural wonders.

Ideally, the Pwani landscape is unique, beautiful, and adventurous. But its beauty conceals a dirty side confronting the unsung heroes managing this vital stretch of natural wonders. Rangers are sacrificing a lot to ensure biodiversity survives.

To make our rangers more productive in conservation, their welfare should not be overlooked. They are operating in difficulties and adversities. They even succumb to illness and or death due to operating under harsh conditions. Just digest: community rangers work for a small salary or some even without salaries. Doing intensive patrols, some without proper transport mechanisms. They operate away from their families because accommodation is insufficient or they work deep in the jungle. Some work without good uniforms and ideal boots. They don’t get proper Medicare because they cannot afford or they hardly reach health facilities due to lack of means of transport and logistics. They even succumb to illness and death. Death comes as a result of accidents in the line of duty, illness, animal attacks, and human violence from local poachers and other organized wildlife trafficking networks.

Pwani Ecosystem Conservancies Foundation asks for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders, including international organizations, local governments, non-governmental organizations, and local communities, to improve rangers’ welfare, particularly across the vast coastal landscape. This wake-up call is critical in biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. Let’s join hands to bring more community rangers on board and improve their welfare so that conservation can thrive.