JOB CREATION
RACING FOR RANGERS
24 COUNTRIES ACROSS AFRICA
You do not have to travel to make a difference in supporting communities and biodiversity. A race in Africa demonstrates how you can help from afar, showing that meaningful impact does not require being anywhere other than home.
What's
changing
About one quarter of the world’s plant and animal species can be found on the African continent. Wildlife rangers work to conserve this biodiversity, educate communities and stand as frontline defenses against criminal poaching. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting travel bans revealed how vulnerable crucial wildlife services in Africa could become without support from incoming tourism dollars. Alternative revenue sources are minimizing dependency on tourism and ensuring that wildlife conservation does not ebb and flow from fluctuating funding.
What's already
possible
The annual Wildlife Ranger Challenge invites people from all over the world, whether they have visited Africa or not, to raise money that supports wildlife rangers and their important missions across the continent.
Seizing
the opportunity
Every September, about 100 wildlife ranger teams from more than 15 African countries run in a 21-kilometer (13-mile) race, held in each team’s patrol area, while carrying 22 kilograms (48.5 pounds) of gear. This race, along with the rigorous training involved, raises awareness of the challenges rangers face, fosters camaraderie among conservation groups across the continent and educates people everywhere about the critical need to protect Africa’s wildlife.
Standout
tactic
Anyone who wants to join in solidarity is invited to run on the same day wherever they may be to help raise funds. Donations go to the Ranger Fund, which provides salaries, insurance, equipment, training and essential supplies to the ranger teams. Contributors can donate to individual teams or the overall challenge and are encouraged to use social media to spread awareness and show appreciation for the rangers safeguarding a huge percentage of the planet’s wildlife. A survey of rangers in Africa revealed that 88% of them have faced life-threatening situations, highlighting the urgent need to prioritize their safety.
How
it helps
The Wildlife Ranger Challenge has raised over $18 million in 5 years thanks to supporters in 90 different countries around the world. The September 2024 race saw 100 ranger teams participate.
Diving
deeper
How can fundraising events provide long-term support to benefactors, and what steps are needed to ensure funds address systemic issues, such as inadequate pay, unsafe working conditions and lack of governmental support?
Increasing
impact
Programs like this could expand to other areas facing poaching and environmental degradation outside of Africa.
Traveling
better
Travel is inherently carbon intensive. Whether you are taking a mini-break or an annual vacation, consider ways to minimize your impact by staying longer in one place, reconsidering how you travel to the destination, and supporting businesses that are working to make their community and the world a better place.
