ABOUT THE CONGRESS
Rangers are essential planetary health workers. They play an essential role in maintaining the integrity of protected and conserved areas, and support the rights of those with whom they interact while carrying out their duties.
Rangers throughout the world go by many names and perform a vast array of roles in the name of preservation, ranging from law enforcement and biodiversity monitoring to environmental education and community engagement. They are an essential part of internationally agreed plans to protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030. Without rangers–nature’s protectors–this goal is unachievable.
ABOUT THE 10th IRF WORLD RANGER CONGRESS
The 10th IRF World Ranger Congress will provide a unique opportunity for rangers, and organizations supporting rangers from all over the world, to gather and collaborate on issues affecting rangers globally. The Congress will offer a platform for rangers to share knowledge, create partnerships and build capacity by exchanging ideas, techniques, best practices and conservation/management initiatives that have been tried and tested in conservation areas around the world. The main output from each IRF World Ranger Congress is an agreed Declaration that all delegates commit to support post-Congress.
The IRF World Ranger Congress is held every three years in a different location, allowing host countries from each IRF region to raise the profile of rangers locally and internationally. It allows them to showcase their successes, to identify how they re addressing their regional challenges, and share knowledge and skills with colleagues from around the world. This will be a momentous occasion for European rangers, as it is the first Ranger Congress to be held in France.
Attending a Congress can be a once in a lifetime opportunity for rangers, especially those located in remote and isolated areas where they don t have a lot of contact with the world family of rangers. Meeting colleagues from around the world gives rangers hope, boosts morale and provides an amazing learning opportunity interacting with their peers.
The IRF World Ranger Congress is also a forum for the creation of recommendations on issues that affect rangers and the work that they do on the front-line. Having these challenges come directly from rangers makes the message more powerful, and from there, the recommendations are presented at conservation forums globally.
WORLD RANGER CONGRESS LOGO
The logo of the 10th IRF World Ranger Congress reflects the rich biodiversity of France Southeast coastline and its guardians – forest and wildlife rangers. It illustrates the great diversity of the area:
- landscapes of calcareous mountains of Provence, wetlands, Mediterranean forests, shorelines
- fauna, from marine wildlife to waterbirds
- unique flora, such as the endemic underwater flowering plants Posidonia oceanica;
- and human activities, represented by the wooden pontoon.
The shape of the logo brings to mind the hull of a boat. Thislogo celebrates all the elements, big and small, that make the South of France one of the most attractive – and fragile – regions in the world.
IRF WORLD RANGER CONGRESS STARTS IN
-12
Days
-14
Hours
-53
Minutes
-15
Seconds
Where
Belambra Les Criques, Giens peninsula, Hyeres, Var, France.When
7-11 October 2024(Tuesday – Friday)
WHAT IS THE IRF
WORLD RANGER CONGRESS?
The World Ranger Congress, hosted by the International Ranger Federation, is a Triennial global forum uniting over 400 ranger professionals. This pivotal event fosters international collaboration, addressing pressing environmental issues such as wildlife protection, sustainable practices, and emerging technologies. Beyond knowledge exchange, the Congress celebrates ranger commitment and bravery, acknowledging their sacrifices on the conservation frontline. With a focus on diversity and inclusivity, the event honors indigenous perspectives and advocates for ongoing support. It stands as a dynamic, cross-cultural platform shaping the future of global conservation efforts.
FOR THE RANGERS OF THE WORLD
The 10th IRF World Ranger Congress, hosted in Hyeres, France, from 7-11 October 2024, serves as a vital platform for global collaboration and professional growth for over 400 ranger professionals. Focused on shared interests and concerns, this event fosters international networking, promoting the collective efforts dedicated “For The Rangers Of the World.“
CONGRESS THEME
The 10th IRF World Ranger Congress will be a landmark event. The theme of the Congress will be “Contributions and developments of the ranger profession in order to achieve target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework (30 by 30 target)“. The Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) of 2022 sets a target for effective conservation and management of at least 30% of the Earth"s land and sea area by 2030. Due to their crucial role within protected areas and other conservation spaces, rangers are an indispensable work force in achieving this goal on an international scale. That is why the 10th IRF World Ranger Congress will focus on the contributions and developments in the ranger profession to attain Target 3 (and other targets) of the GBF.
1st World Ranger Congress
Portugal 1995
Credit- Jeff Ohlfs
LEGACY OF THE IRF WORLD RANGER CONGRESS
Explore the enduring legacy of the World Ranger Congress, where global conservation leaders converge to shape the future of wildlife protection and environmental stewardship.
2nd World Ranger Congress
Costa Rica 1997
Credit- Jeff Ohlfs
3rd World Ranger Congress
South Africa 2000
Credit- Jeff Ohlfs
THE IRF WORLD RANGER CONGRESS TURNS 10
From its humble origins in 1995, this conference has blossomed into a distinguished annual affair, proudly entering its 10th year, embodying a decade of progress, knowledge exchange, and shared dedication.