AFRICAN RANGER CONGRESS REPORT

DATE: 21ST TO 24TH AUGUST 2018

VENUE: SOUTHERN AFRICAN WILDLIFE COLLEGE GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA

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CONTENTS

FOREWORD .................................................................................................................................................. 3

1. BACKGROUND ..................................................................................................................................... 5

2. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 5

3. THEME ................................................................................................................................................ 5

4. PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................................. 5

5. ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES: .................................................................................................................. 5

6. DATE ................................................................................................................................................... 6

7. VENUE ................................................................................................................................................. 6

8. CONGRESS REGISTRATION AND LOGISITICS ........................................................................................ 6

8.1. Travel packages for rangers from outside of South Africa: .......................................................... 7

8.2. Transport .................................................................................................................................... 7

8.3. Accommodation.......................................................................................................................... 7

8.4. Catering ...................................................................................................................................... 8

9. FUNDING AND SUPPORT ..................................................................................................................... 8

9. ATTENDEES ......................................................................................................................................... 8

10. LANGUAGE ...................................................................................................................................... 8

11. PROGRAMME .................................................................................................................................. 9

APPENDIX 1: AFRICAN RANGER CONGRESS MEDIA RELEASE AND DECLARATION ...................................... 15

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FOREWORD

The First African ranger Congress was borne out of a need expressed by African Rangers who attended the

International Ranger Federation (IRF) World Ranger Congress 2016 in Colorado. As the elected IRF African

Representative, I was tasked to honor this outcome prior to the 2019 World Ranger Congress. The reason for

this was that African rangers felt that the context in which rangers operated in, was sufficiently different to

many others in the World. At the same time, there was recognition that there would be value in stronger ranger

network that would thus be better placed to strengthen ranger effectiveness and capability across borders and

in countries of operation.

Shared learning and feeding off the successes of different countries is so important. Additionally, having a better

knowledge of where support is needed is critical in creating a continent-wide resilience to transnational wildlife

crimes. Rangers also need to be better represented around the global conservation decision-making tables. Too

often the on-the-ground issues are dealt with at higher levels without the input of those who put their lives on

the line daily, to face such challenges. As Sean Willmore (IRF President) said at the Congress, ‘Conservation

without rangers is merely conversation’. The voice of rangers from the ground up needs to be heard and well

supported.

The first Congress looked to lay a strong platform on which future African Ranger Congress’ can be built and I

believe this was achieved in the form of the resulting and unifying ‘Declaration of Intent’. This was crafted by a

number of rangers attending the congress, who represented West, Central, East and Southern African regions

of the continent. All leaders that engage in conservation will do well to heed the Declarations call for action. It

will certainly give a blue print to the work of IRF in Africa.

Finally, a word of special thanks to all who sponsored and supported the Congress to make it a reality and to

the rangers who set valuable time aside and took the effort to attend. It was a pleasure and an honour to have

been part of this event.

Chris Galliers (International Ranger Federation Africa Representative)

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SPONSORS

The Thin Green Line Foundation

Game Rangers Association of Africa

International Ranger Federation

Toyota South Africa

SPECIAL THANKS TO

Southern African Wildlife College

SANParks

Game Rangers Association of Africa

Bushwhisperer Safaris

© Chris Galliers

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1. BACKGROUND

Image 1: African Rangers at the World Ranger Congress in Colorado 2016 © Chris Galliers

At the 2016 World Ranger Congress in Colorado, USA there was broad representation of African rangers,

representing many countries in Africa as well as many ranger associations or organisations which employ

rangers. At the dedicated African Ranger meeting, there were a number of calls made by African rangers that

Africa should host its own ranger congress. As such this unanimous call has been taken up by the IRF African

representative together with other rangers from the congress. Gabon initially expressed interest in hosting the

first African Ranger Congress but in consultation with other representatives in 2018, South Africa under the

guidance of the Game Rangers’ Association of Africa offered to put together a programme.

2. INTRODUCTION

The context in which rangers in Africa operate in is generally very different to those of many other continents.

As a result, the many unique challenges Africa’s rangers face requires uniquely African solutions. In getting to

such solutions, knowledge and experiential sharing is critical as well as the strengthening of cross-border

networks. Thus, the inaugural African Ranger Congress was organized to provide value and promote best

practice across the African ranger profession. Outcomes of the event will be fed into the World Ranger Congress

in Nepal, 2019.

3. THEME

To build effective capabilities and support systems for Rangers across Africa.

4. PURPOSE

1. Broadening and unifying the African ranger network.

2. Sharing and identifying challenges unique to African rangers and their work.

3. Developing solutions to improve ranger capability and support systems in Africa.

5. ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES:

• Improved collaboration and ranger networks across Africa.

• Resolutions and best practice guidelines documented and shared.

• Identify learnings and outcomes to take to the World Ranger Congress 2019.

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6. DATE

21 – 24 August, 2018

The programme ran over three days incorporating both a seminar and field trip format. Further benefit in these

dates is that the congress aligned with the Rhino Conservation Awards (RCAs), taking place on 24 August 2018

in Johannesburg. Selected rangers from outside South Africa who attended the African Ranger Congress were

invited to attend this prestigious continental event to honour their colleagues making outstanding contributions

in conservation.

7. VENUE

Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC)

The SAWC is a SADC (Southern African Development Community) accredited ranger training provider with its

campus situated in the the world-renowned Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa. Rangers were

accommodated in chalets, permanent tents and in the campsite. A large contingent of rangers stayed at the field

ranger training base where they shared accommodation.

8. CONGRESS REGISTRATION AND LOGISITICS

Registration was done through the GRAA with a registration fee of R500/$35 applicable to non-sponsored

delegates. This was to cover incidental costs associated with hosting the congress such as teas, coffees, caps,

administration costs incurred etc.

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8.1. Travel packages for rangers from outside of South Africa:

Travel packages were put together for rangers from outside of South Africa which included registration, 4 nights

accommodation, all catering and an airport shuttle included. An indication of costing is shown below.

Package

Accommodation type

Details Catering Airport shuttle

ZAR USD

A Field ranger tents

10 per tent, shared ablutions, bring own

bedding

Included Included R 3,603 $ 293

B SAWC tents 4 per tent, ensuite ablutions, bedding

provided

Included Included R 3,783 $ 308

C IDE tents 2 per tent, ensuite ablutions, bedding

provided

Included Included R 4,523 $ 368

D Yellow block room

2 per room, ensuite ablutions, bedding

provided

Included Included R 4,523 $ 368

8.2. Transport

Transport options between the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and the SAWC were organised.

Participants could either fly from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa to the local

Hoedspruit airport or they could make use of a shuttle service provided by GRAA. This was booked directly with

GRAA and was well utilized by those traveling from outside of South Africa.

8.3. Accommodation

Accommodation costs were paid directly to SAWC. A variety of options were presented to delegates to ensure

it was cost effective to attend the congress. Examples of the costing is shown below.

Option Cost ZAR Cost USD Details Notes

Field ranger base R75 per person/night $6 per person/night

10 beds per tent, shared ablutions,

no bedding

Bedding was provided thanks

to a GRAA donation sourced.

SAWC tents R 120/person/night sharing

$10 per person/night

4 beds per tent with ensuite

ablutions

Bedding provided

IDE tents R 250/person/night

sharing

$20 per person/night

2 beds per tent with ensuite

ablutions

Bedding provided

Campsite R 150 per campsite/night

$ 12 per campsite/night

Max 4/ site, shared ablutions

Bring own tents, bedding etc.

Yellow Block Rooms

R 250/person/night sharing

$20 per person/night

2 beds per room, ensuite ablutions.

Bedding provided

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8.4. Catering

Teas and coffees were provided daily during conferencing. Fully catered package were provided as follows.

These costs were invoiced by SAWC and paid directly to them:

Day Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Tuesday 21 August R40/ $3 R71/ $ 6 R90/ $7

Wednesday 22 August R40/ $3 R55/ $5 R90/ $7

Thursday 23 August R40/ $3 R71/$6 R110/ $8

Friday 24 August R40/ $3

9. FUNDING AND SUPPORT

Funding and sponsorship helped to minimise costs to ranger delegates. Governmental conservation

management authorities, organisations employing rangers and NGOs who support rangers were encouraged to

support the congress by funding participation. Some individuals attained their own funding to attend from their

own organizational sponsors whilst some delegates paid for themselves to attend in a private capacity. Selected

travel grants sponsored by the Thin Green Line Foundation were available but limited in number. These were

crucial in securing attendance of delegates from outside of the host country. GRAA also helped to cover travel

and accommodation costs of the sponsored delegates. Toyota South African sponsored notebooks, lanyards and

pens for all delegates.

9. ATTENDEES

The congress attracted a broad array of African ranger representatives from across the continent. In total over

approximately 105 rangers attended from 14 different countries. All major African regions were represented

apart from North Africa with rangers from Angola, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon,

Kenya, Malawi, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe in

attendance. Sean Willmore, the President of the International Ranger Federation was in attendance as well as

Chris Galliers the IRF Africa representative.

10. LANGUAGE

The programme was conducted in English. Unfortunately, the French translator who had been organized pulled

out at the last minute. This posed translation issues for those from Francophone countries. However rangers

who could also speak English were able to translate which ensured all delegates had the opportunity to converse

and participate. Future African congresses should include both French and Portuguese translation.

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11. PROGRAMME

Day 1: Identifying roles, responsibilities and key challenges facing rangers

The day began with the opening ceremony which took place at 12h00 on Tuesday 21st August 2018. All rangers

gathered together for an address by International Ranger Federation representative and GRAA Chairman Chris

Galliers. He welcomed everybody to the congress and explained the importance of gatherings of this nature. He

handed over to the President of the International Ranger Federation and Founder of the Thin Green Line

Foundation, Sean Willmore who officially opened the first ever African Ranger Congress. The congress flag was

raised and the African Ranger Roll of Honour was read out that. Country representatives read out the names of

their fallen ranger colleagues which was a poignant moment. Rangers stood to attention for a minute’s silence

in remembrance of the 70 ranger colleagues who had fallen during the previous 12 months.

Image 2: Sean Willmore (IRF/TGLF) opens the inaugural African Ranger Congress © Peter Chadwick

Lunch was then taken by all where informal networking took place between delegates. Rangers gathered in the

main auditorium for the continuation of the programme at 14h00. The afternoon programme was designed to

ensure inclusivity. Rangers were asked to list the key tasks that they believed where integral to a ranger’s job in

Africa. It was interesting to note the vast array of tasks that rangers are expected to perform. Key competency

areas of rangers were discussed and tasks were allocated into these competency areas. This topic generated

much discussion and different country representatives shared the tasks and competencies that are expected of

rangers in their regions.

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Image 3: Chris Galliers (IRF-Africa/GRAA) leads discussions during the congress © Peter Chadwick

Image 4: Rangers attended dedicated work sessions during the congress © Peter Chadwick

During session 2 of the congress, rangers broke away into groups to document the key challenges they face

during their work. Groups were randomly selected to ensure cross pollination of ideas and to generate

discussions. Facilitators worked with groups to ensure they remained focused on the task at hand. At the end

of this session, each group was asked to present back to the congress their findings. This was a chance for

rangers to share their challenges with their colleagues. Many similar challenges are faced in different regions

and participants felt engaged with the process. These themes were documented and formed the core of

discussions that took place on Day 2.

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Image 5: Rangers discuss the key issues they face in the workplace in groups ©Peter Chadwick

The day finished with a gathering around the fire for dinner, where rangers interacted with one another and

continued discussions. It must be noted that these opportunities are very important during get-togethers of this

nature. It gives rangers a time to relax and network in an informal setting and helps to build camaraderie.

Day 2: Working towards solutions to improve ranger support and capability

The day began with a fitness challenge where some of the delegates pitted their skills against one another. It

was a good way to build some spirit amongst the participating delegates and much fun was had. The mornings

session focused on solutions to the challenges identified during the opening discussions on Day 1. Dedicated

panels were put together to discuss training and selection, ranger well-being and community engagement.

Panelists and presenters shared their experiences in each of these fields and were selected from the different

regions. Rangers were also given the opportunity to address the audience and showcase their work and

experiences as rangers during regional presentations.

Figure 6: Rangers from Zimbabwe share their stories with delegates © Peter Chadwick

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The training and selection panel highlighted the need for a rigorous and thorough selection process to be carried

out to ensure the right people are selected to work as rangers across all levels. Refresher training and the

importance of continued skills development were also noted as important. Brian Harris and James Stiles

(Conservation Outcomes), Bryce Clemence and Charles Maunze (Anti-poaching Tracking Specialists) and Ruben

De Kock (SAWC) shared their experiences in training and selecting rangers across Africa.

Image 7: Charles Maunze (ATS) shares his experiences of training rangers © Peter Chadwick

Ranger well-being was another focal point discussed during a panel discussion. General Johan Jooste (SANParks)

shared his experiences in working to improve ranger well-being with the Kruger National Park’s rangers with the

audience. Some of the important support systems such as legal assistance, medical training and support systems,

death and disability insurance cover and the improvement of working and living conditions were highlighted. Dr.

Simon King (ParkDoctor), Brandon Ford (SATIB/RangerProtect) and Scott Maynard (Prometheus Medical) shared

their thoughts in terms of the necessary support systems needed to ensure ranger well-being. Daniel Ole Sambu

(BigLife Foundation) and Daniel Letoiye (Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association) shared their thoughts on the

role of communities in conservation practice and how important they are to the work that rangers do. They

detailed their approach in Kenya and highlighted some of the success stories they have been involved in.

Figure 8: Practical demonstrations ensured that delegates remain engaged © Peter Chadwick

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Karien Keet (SANParks) gave a practical demonstration of the use of horses in conservation. She has been

pioneering the use of equestrian ranger units in the Phalaborwa section of the Kruger National Park. This

generated much discussion where other rangers shared their experiences using horses. Dinner was hosted at

the Field Ranger Training Base for all delegates.

Day 3: Showcasing local initiatives with practical demonstrations

The day focused on getting into the field and showcasing some of the local initiatives taking place. Presentations

began at the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (GKEPF) operations centre where the

importance of a collaborative approach to addressing wildlife crime was stressed. Technologies and systems

being used in command and control of operations were showcased along with lessons learnt. Chief Pilot Bruce

MacDonald then gave a presentation on the role of aerial support to rangers which involved a practical

demonstration.

Canine capability was demonstrated using a scent detection demonstration performed by the SAWC dog trainer,

Tina de Flamingh. Tina spoke through the different uses of canines including apprehension, detection and

tracking. The use of free running hounds was discussed as this has been used extensively in the nearby Kruger

National Park and successes have been evident. Bryce Clemence (ATS) shared their experiences of training

canines for their Special Species Protection Unit in Zimbabwe where their Belgium Malinois operate off-leash

whilst detecting incursions, tracking and apprehending poachers.

Image 9: Practical demonstrations showing how simple medical equipment can save lives © Peter Chadwick

A medical demonstration was undertaken by Scott Maynard (Prometheus Medical) and Dr. Simon King

(ParkDoctor) on how the use of simple medical techniques and equipment can be used in remote areas to save

lives. This demonstration and discussion attracted a lot of interest from rangers. Suitable first aid kit for carry

was also showcased. After lunch a presentation on the use of SMART in conservation was undertaken. This

showed how available opensource technologies such as SMART can help streamline collection and reporting of

data.

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Image 10: Group work lead to sharing of ideas across countries and different generations of rangers © Peter Chadwick

During the afternoon, members of the GRAA attended their 48th Annual General Meeting whilst other delegates

from outside of the South Africa had the opportunity to head into the Kruger National Park for a game drive.

All delegates gathered that evening for the awards dinner. Thanks were given to sponsors, organisers and hosts

of the event. Wayne Lotter was posthumously awarded the IRF Lifetime Achievement Award as well as the GRAA

Spirit of Africa which is the highest honour given by the association for this lifetime work in support of rangers

in Africa. Sean Willmore paid tribute to Wayne and the impact he had on effecting positive change in the fight

against wildlife crime in Tanzania through his work with the PAMS Foundation.

Outcomes and feedback:

Delegates in attendance gathered their thoughts in the final sessions of the congress and elected representatives

then drafted the first ever African Ranger Congress Declaration of Intent stemming from the outcomes of

discussions. This was also translated into French and has been subsequently distributed along with a media

statement to a broad array of media houses and social media platforms. This is contained in the Appendices of

this report. A few of the attendees shared their feedback as follows.

“The first ever Africa Ranger Congress, has motivated and boosted the morale of rangers after coming together, sharing ideas and experiences, learn different conservation concepts practiced by different countries and also learnt that they are not alone in facing conservation challenges.” Muterian Ntanin Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust Ranger Operation Commander Kenya Wildlife Service Honorary Warden, Kenya “I found the congress to be an excellent event for networking and getting an insight into some best practice interventions such as the K9, equestrian and medical interventions. It was also an opportunity to catch up with old friends in the industry. It makes one realize that we are not alone in our challenges. I really appreciate the sponsorship. Thank you very much.” Lawrence Munro Field Operations Manager – African Parks Liwonde National Park, Malawi

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“My experience during the Africa Ranger Congress highlighted that rangers are highly recognized due to the fact that they play a key role in resource protection in Africa as a whole. All rangers worldwide operate under difficult conditions or with not enough logistical support. This congress was a come together venture where we shared experience across countries like DRC, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Uganda.” Neddy Mulimo Game Rangers International Kafue National Park, Zambia “It was good to meet so many keen and likeminded fellow men and women.” Bryce Clemence Anti-Poaching Tracking Specialists Save Valley Conservancy, Zimbabwe

© Chris Galliers

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APPENDIX 1: AFRICAN RANGER CONGRESS MEDIA RELEASE AND DECLARATION

MEDIA STATEMENT: AFRICA’S RANGERS UNITE TO DISCUSS COMMON ISSUES A sense of camaraderie prevailed as over 105 rangers from 14 different African countries came together at the Southern African Wildlife College recently for the first ever African Ranger Congress. This first of its kind event was endorsed by the International Ranger Federation (IRF), supported by the Thin Green Line Foundation and organised and facilitated by the Game Rangers’ Association of Africa (GRAA). Rangers from Angola, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Malawi, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe were in attendance to share stories of the challenges they face at ground level whilst protecting Africa’s wildlife and wild places. The event which took place over three days confirmed to many that they are not alone whilst they face increasingly difficult conservation challenges across the continent. Common issues were identified by participants and solutions were discussed so that pro-active steps may be taken to ensure that rangers are sufficiently supported and have the required capability to fulfil their conservation mandate. Rangers were also exposed to various initiatives taking place to enhance ranger capability in the field of biological conservation, law enforcement and community engagement. Resolutions from the congress containing the key themes that need to be addressed to ensure an effective African ranger corps were drafted with inputs from all delegates. These were documented into the African Ranger Congress Declaration of Intent which will be tabled at the IRF World Ranger Congress in Nepal in 2019 where these issues will receive global attention. “The need for such a gathering was set in motion by the African contingent at the last World Ranger Congress in Colorado (2016). This Congress has importantly created a stronger platform for Africa’s rangers to work together to strengthen ranger effectiveness and capability across borders and in countries of operation,” said Chris Galliers, the International Ranger Federation African Representative. Andrew Campbell, GRAA CEO said, “Events such as this are hugely valuable in establishing a continental esprit de corps amongst rangers. We need rangers to unite and for their voice to be heard as they are the men and women who stand at the forefront of all conservation efforts”. Experienced ranger Pepin Matlands from Gabon who represented Central Africa on the GRAA Africa Committee, commented, “We are now a family. Vive le rangers!”.

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AFRICAN RANGER CONGRESS DECLARATION OF INTENT

A Call to Action.... We, the Rangers of Africa hereby declare that, as nature’s protectors and custodians we remain fully committed to efficiently and effectively carry out our duties, to the very best of our ability and with absolute integrity, to safeguard natural resources and wild spaces for the benefit of present and future generations. While recognising the importance of wildlife and the critical role it plays in contributing towards livelihoods and the socio-economic development of Africa, we as Rangers stand united to overcome the significant threats that compromise life itself. However, to achieve this honourable mission, Rangers are faced with a variety of challenges and limiting factors on a day to day basis, which impede our success. Therefore, it was resolved at the inaugural African Ranger Congress that to overcome these serious challenges and limitations we urgently need to address the following: -

• Strengthening effective and efficient leadership at all levels.

• The development of a comprehensive set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) appropriate to the role of a Ranger in all aspects of his/her work.

• Provision of adequate support to Ranger well-being and welfare.

• The provision of adequate and on-going capacity building at all levels.

• The provision of adequate operational support.

• Improved local, national and global exposure to our cause.

• The promotion of good collaboration and co-operation between African nations to enable conservation efforts at a pan-African level.

To achieve this, we must identify high level champions for conservation who can generate the political will and engagement, which is required to support these endeavours. Furthermore, we need to have a reinforced judicial process to support the Rangers themselves and their cause. Finally, all African Rangers wish to recognise and appreciate the importance and significance of all co-operating partners.

This declaration of intent was drafted with inputs from over 105 rangers from 15 different African countries at the inaugural African

Ranger Congress that took place at the Southern African Wildlife College in South Africa in August 2018. The event was organised and facilitated by the Game Rangers Association of Africa with endorsement from the International Ranger Federation and support from the

Thin Green Line Foundation.

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For any additional information, quotes or images contact the Game Rangers Association of Africa: Administrator Chief Executive Officer Louise De Bruin Andrew Campbell +27 (0) 72 1235384 +27 (0) 82 3959402 info@gameranger.co.za andrew@gameranger.co.za ABOUT THE GAME RANGERS’ ASSOCIATION OF AFRICA The Game Rangers’ Association of Africa (GRAA) is a non-profit organisation, founded in 1970 which provides support, networks and representation for rangers across Africa. The GRAA is a proud member of the International Ranger Federation (IRF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Over 1800 members have joined the GRAA since 1970, representing more than 24 countries. We have recognised chapters in Angola, Ivory Coast, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia making us the oldest, largest and most representative ranger association in Africa. For further information see www.gameranger.org

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL RANGER FEDERATION The International Ranger Federation (IRF) is a non-profit organisation established to raise awareness of and support the critical work that Rangers do in conserving the world’s natural and cultural heritage. We work with our partners and other organisations as well as our member associations and their Rangers to ensure the world’s terrestrial and marine parks, and the flora and fauna that live in them, are protected from vandalism, poaching, theft, exploitation and destruction. For more information see www.internationalrangers.org

ABOUT THE THIN GREEN LINE FOUNDATION The Thin Green Line Foundation Protects Nature’s Protectors by providing vital support to Park Rangers and their communities who are the front-line of conservation. We work predominantly in developing nations and conflict zones, and with Indigenous Park Rangers within Australia and abroad. We are the only organisation solely dedicated to providing Rangers worldwide with the assistance they deserve and need. As the official charity arm of the International Ranger Federation, TTGLF has unparalleled access to Rangers worldwide. For more information see www.thingreenline.org.au