Dear European rangers,
Cohesion is a currency that cannot be valued highly enough in the ranger community. For example, in the dark times of war. In our interview, Serhiy and Ilan report on how rangers experience war in their countries, Ukraine and Israel. The international ranger network is more important than ever for the rangers concerned, in even more dimensions. If you would like to get in touch, we will be happy to connect: press@europeanrangers.org.
Solidarity is also important in the everyday life of rangers. Just like in Montenegro, where rangers are primarily busy with keeping human influences away from the still untouched natural treasures. My employer, the Black Forest National Park, has entered into a partnership with the Montenegrin Durmitor National Park, including support for founding a Montenegrin ranger association. The best way to become part of the European ranger family and joining all our low-cost training and exchange offers!
Speaking of benefits: Most of us work with volunteers. They give their time for free to the cause of nature; a commitment that we just honoured with our photo competition. And we looked to Iceland, where the Iceland Conservation Volunteers programme has decades of experience and good tips for mutually beneficial cooperation with volunteers.
Many of you may have taken another break in autumn and travelled. Why not combine holiday and exchange with local rangers? That's what our former project officer Niki thought. Equipped by us with a contact address, he visited the Irish ranger Dermot and exchanged ideas on common challenges. Write us at admin@europeanrangers.org to also get in touch with rangers wherever you go! Meanwhile our former President Urs visited the Global Ranger Congress. He reports on a marine congress with ranger spirit and the impressive nature of the Azores.
The Forest Community Initiative Congress in Monaco, on the other hand, focussed on the protection of primeval forests and the strong knowledge of indigenous peoples on their protection. Our Training Officer Borja joined and met personalities as Nemonte Nenquimo, who successfully led an indigenous campaign in Ecuador to save 500,000 ha of the Amazon rainforest and Waorani region from oil exploitation.
What a story. But, as our Image and Fundraising workshop confirmed: Every one of you has stories to tell about how you are contributing to biodiversity, sustainability, quality education and much more that political strategies have set out to achieve. Tell us your Ranger Story and help us to tell with a strong voice about ranger work as key for implementing those strategies!
In this sense, hoping for an exciting read myself this time
Urs Reif, President of the ERF
