ERF Newsletter February 24
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Dear European rangers,
How do you see yourself as a ranger? Species and habitat protector, mediator between man and nature, environmental educator, monitor of compliance with nature conservation regulations, first responder in environmental disasters and accidents, prosecutor of environmental crimes ... I could go on and on. But when it comes to how well you feel supported to fulfil your many duties, answers from rangers across Europe are usually short: too little to no adequate training, equipment, staffing and pay.
That is why it is so important to raise awareness of the many important tasks of rangers. After all, they all contribute to saving our planet for future generations – and therefore deserve full support. This is exactly what our Ranger Stories aim at: By showing as many examples as possible of your daily work protecting species, habitats, involving people in conservation and many other facets, we can show the full range of what ranger work means – and why support is important for society as a whole. So I keep asking you to tell us your story: It is also the small, everyday stories that count! You can easily submit it here or contact press@europeanrangers.org to have your story included in the broad panorama of ranger work.
Whilst our recent ranger story about how Portuguese rangers saved a flamingo from starvation will hopefully encourage you, we have spent the last month finding ways to support our fellow rangers in their work. Planning is progressing for our ranger training on rewilding projects and human-wildlife conflict resolution in Romania. In addition, we joined forces with Thin Green Line Foundation UK and the National Trust for a webinar on mental health. Almost 100 participants showed how acute this issue is for rangers and took home insights and possible solutions for dealing with it.
What keeps Irish ranger Margaux Pierrel busy in terms of research and awareness-raising, but also mentally, is the shifting baseline syndrome: knowledge about the former state of nature is lost from generation to generation – with it the awareness of what biodiversity was actually the basis for species conservation several generations ago. The Italian ranger Armando Di Marino, on the other hand, is still busy in retirement educating the youngs and sensitising them to how valuable and worthy of protection our remaining natural treasures are. A true matter of heart that he pursues with innovation and success.
And sadly, this is still on our minds in February: Our member, ranger Ohad Yahalomi from Israel, is still being held hostage after five months. Our thoughts remain with him and his family in this cruel fate.
Urs Reif, President of the ERF
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Emotions, enthusiasm, involvement are essential to win people over for nature conservation. Armando Di Marino has worked extensively on this in his 40 years as a ranger in Italy. Although retired, he still works as volunteer ranger at Lago di Vico nature reserve in the firm conviction that environmental education needs to start with the youngest to sensitise them to our impact on nature, its wonders and worthiness of protection. Read what role a Japanese paper theatre and the art of storytelling play in this and what tips he has for fellow rangers.
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What lies behind the Shifting Baseline Syndrome is intuitive: knowledge about the former state of nature is lost over the generations – and with it the awareness of what species diversity was actually the baseline of conservation generations ago. As a result, conservation goals are becoming increasingly unambitious. Margaux Pierrel is ranger in Ireland and won an Alfred Toepfer Natural Heritage Scholarship, offered in cooperation with the Europarc Federation. She convinced with her plan to go on a research trip through Europe on SBS. Our interview shows what she found out and how rangers are part of the solution.
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Here, Europe's rangers give personal insights into what their work means to them, what their biggest motivators are in an often challenging job and reveal their most unforgettable moments as a ranger; be it special animal encounters, experiences with visitors or simply overwhelming impressions from what is probably the most beautiful office in the world for all of them – nature. Our get-to-know portraits are constantly being updated. If you would like to add to our portraits or know someone who is definitely missing here: Write us a note to press@europeanrangers.org!
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After Swedish ranger Adam Turner told us in our ranger stories how he protects old, valuable tree populations, it is now the turn of the Portuguese rangers Rosa and Rui: The two rescued a flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus), which they found weakened because it had swallowed a fishing line with a hook. The bird, which was caught in the salt pans near Aveiro, was able to fly but unable to eat enough. It was taken to the Centro de Reabilitação de Animais Marinhos marine animal rehabilitation centre in Gafanha da Nazaré for veterinary care. As soon as it has fully recovered, it will be released back into the wild. Send us your story here or to press@europeanrangers.org – also the little ones of daily ranger life!
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Webinar on Rangers and Mental Health with about 100 participants
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Form partnerships to better support rangers: That's what we were delighted to do this month on the initiative of the Thin Green Line Foundation UK in co-operation with National Trust. In a discussion with psychological experts and rangers, including members of our ERF Board and open to the about 100 participants, the following questions were addressed: What mental health issues do rangers face? What are the barriers for effective support and what can be done about it? In addition to own mental health, rangers also deal with people that seek natural places in midst of their struggles. How can rangers be prepared for such situations? A recording of the webinar will be available, we will update you!
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The 10th World Ranger Congress of the International Ranger Federation (IRF) will be hosted by Gardes Nature de France (GNF) on the theme "Empowering Rangers Globally to meet the 30 x 30 Challenge".
Website, registration and accommodation booking are now online!
Check out the congress website for all informations.
Volunteers are needed to help with the on-site organisation! If you are interested, please contact wrc@internationalrangers.org
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This newsletter didn't reach you directly by mail? Register now to be informed conveniently in time about news, trainings, interviews and reports for and about Europe's rangers – and share the registration link with your fellow rangers.
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