Story 06 Nov, 2024

Kiwa grantee inspires rangers at World Ranger Congress in Fiji

Rangers play an important role in protecting the planet's natural resources and biodiversity. They work tirelessly to safeguard national parks, wildlife, and ecosystems, ensuring that these areas remain healthy for future generations. They make it possible to achieve global conservation targets, such as the ambitious target of protecting 30 per cent of land and oceans by 2030.

One such dedicated ranger is Mererai Nadredre, a Senior Ranger at the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park and a proud grantee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Kiwa Initiative National Trust of Fiji (NTF). She is committed to help rangers learn new skills and gain knowledge. 

Ms Nadredre said it was crucial that rangers were well trained and prepared to meet the 30x30 target. She saw the Kiwa Initiative as a key source of funding for training programmes that helped rangers grow alongside their traditional knowledge.

In her role, Ms Nadredre organises programmes to raise awareness about environmental issues and invites communities to participate in activities that promote coastal resilience. “I build connections with people, which is needed for the success of the Kiwa Initiative NTF project,” she explained.

She stated rangers needed technical skills to do their jobs well. She mentioned ranger associations should give chances to learn and share knowledge. “Training programmes must meet local needs and include traditional knowledge.”

Engaging young people is essential for the success of the Kiwa Initiative programme. Ms Nadredre emphasised the need for more workshops and programmes for children, stating, “We need more workshops and programs for children.” Initiatives like “Heritage In Young Hands” have effectively involved youth in conservation efforts, helping to build accountability and connection to nature.

Despite facing challenges, such as threats from fire, the Senior Ranger remains hopeful. “Even small results are worth celebrating,” she said. To further strengthen the Kiwa Initiative, she suggests creating the Fiji Islands Ranger Association to unite various environmental groups for collaboration.

Dr. Madhu Rao, Chair of IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), said, “IUCN WCPA supports the work of the International Ranger Federation (IRF). They are building a skilled and diverse team of workers who can protect and manage 30 percent of the planet. We are committed to supporting these efforts.”  

She said the ranger workforce was vital for ensuring that we achieved our global goals for protected and conserved areas; however, many endured poor terms of employment and inadequate, hazardous working conditions. “They risk and lose their lives, live under difficult conditions and spend long, arduous hours in the field- to protect wildlife and secure protected areas.

“On World Ranger Day especially, we remember and pay our respects to those who have died at work in the last year, through accidents, illness and homicide,” Dr. Rao highlighted.

She also mentioned the world’s rangers were fundamental to the recovery of nature and the successful implementation of global protected and conserved area targets. “We need to quite urgently, recognise and formalise their contributions, support the professionalisation of the ranger workforce and increase their numbers five-fold from current numbers if we want to turn the tide on biodiversity declines.”

The 10th IRF World Ranger Congress (WRC) took place in Hyères, South of France, from October 7-11, 2024.

As the IUCN Kiwa Initiative continues to support rangers from their various projects, it aims to save nature and assist communities, guided by the lessons learned from the WRC.

The NTF project, titled "Building coastal resilience—forest restoration, invasive management actions, and the Heritage in Young Hands Programme—of the Sigatoka Sand Dunes ecosystems," is a local project under the Kiwa Initiative. The initiative is funded by the European Union (EU), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT), and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

The Kiwa Initiative has established partnerships with the Pacific Community (SPC), the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), and the Oceania Regional Office of IUCN.