Celebration for the guardians of nature

At the end of July, JCPZ hosted World Rangers Day as a special way to give thanks to the work done by our citys park rangers.

6 hours ago

Neo Phashe 2 minutes read

Park Rangers as they march at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens. Photo: Neo Phashe

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) hosted its first ever World Rangers Day celebrations at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens on July 31 under the theme, Celebrating the guardians of nature.

Sello Lemaoa, regional director for region B, said this was an important day to recognise the incredible contributions of rangers worldwide. “Men and women who dedicate their lives to protect our natural and cultural resources,” he said. As part of the day’s celebrations, they handed out a total of about 42 certificates which gave recognition to the completion of basic field ranger training. “This is a carefully selected training programme meant to capacitate both park rangers, and those who took part in the internship programme funded by SANBI (South African National Biodiversity Institute),” said Lemaoa.

Park Rangers are described as being guardians of nature. Photo: Neo Phashe

He described the training programme as a rigorous six-week course conducted at the Southern African Wildlife College in Hoedspruit. It is said to be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding of its participants. The programme includes, survival skills, anti-poaching operations, crime scene management, as well as plant and animal identification. When recognising the work our park rangers do, he said, “your tireless efforts to protect the parks, nature reserves, and cemeteries, are why we’re here today. We rely on you, as well as JMPD, to save what is left of our city’s natural resources.”

Also read: JCPZ launches campaign to combat cemetery vandalism and disrespect.

Park Rangers gathered at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens for day in their honour. Photo: Neo Phashe

Representative from the Environment and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD) Dan Masemola said in terms of a park rangers definition, that they play a definite role in our national parks and remote areas, as well as the impact they have within the city. “The creation of the Environmental Enforcement Unit is a significant milestone in ensuring our environment is protected and persevered sustainably for the future.” He said this unit will play a crucial role in enforcing environmental laws and regulation policies as a measure to make sure that those who harm our environment and natural resources are held accountable for their actions.

Park Rangers were celebrated at Johannesburg Botanical Gardens. Photo: Neo Phashe

The Environmental Enforcement Unit will work closely with JMPD, as well environmental inspectors who work within EISD. Masemola also said another crucial role fulfilled by park rangers is their dedication to conservation efforts within the city. “Greenspaces face numerous threats, therefore our park rangers will be the frontline in identifying all illegal activities happening at our key natural resources,” he said. Under this years theme, he asked that we recognise the sacrifices made by park rangers across the world.