Joburg City Parks and Zoo celebrates World Ranger Day
The Joburg City Parks and Zoo’s Environmental Enforcement Unit received certificates for their excellent services in keeping the city’s precious natural and cultural treasures safe.
The Joburg City Parks and Zoo’s (JCPZ) Environmental Enforcement Unit received certificates of appreciation from the Joburg City Parks and Zoo on July 31.
To celebrate World Ranger Day, the JCPZ honoured its Environmental Enforcement Unit (previously known as Park Rangers), applauding them for dedicating their lives to safeguarding the city’s and planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage.
With an incredible 2 172 parks and open spaces, 23 nature reserves, 21 bird sanctuaries, a botanical garden, and 137 large conservation areas, Johannesburg is known for being a leader in environmental sustainability. Many people are responsible for this outstanding accomplishment.
“We pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and continue to dedicate their lives to safeguarding our planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage. It is a moment to reflect on their incredible courage and unwavering passion for nature,” said Noeleen Mattera of the JCPZ.
The International Ranger Federation, in partnership with The Thin Green Line, is the driving force behind the worldwide World Ranger Day programme.
This year’s ‘30 by 30’ theme aligns with the 2022 United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15), where global decision-makers and leaders agreed on a global biodiversity framework.
According to Mattera, target three of this framework highlights the necessity of conserving and managing at least 30% of the planet’s land and oceans by 2030, which is why the term ‘30 by 30’ was created.
“This target cannot be achieved singlehandedly but requires the support and commitment of governments, corporations, communities and ordinary citizens.
Rangers protect the environment from illegal elements and provide protection, conservation, monitoring, user safety, fire management, law enforcement, education, community support, and regulation of sustainable use.”
Because of an ever-increasing portfolio, the unit faces daily challenges and limited boots on the ground.
The South African National Biodiversity Institute has committed R5.4m over two years to the Groen Sebenza initiative in collaboration with the JCPZ, realising the value of fostering the next generation of environmental stewards.
The programme’s goal is to provide motivated and enthusiastic youth with the know-how and abilities they need to help preserve and maintain our natural areas.
