ERF Newsletter December 25
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Dear European rangers,
For many, December is a time for family and friends. That's true for us, too. The ERF family consists largely of our partners, without whom we would not have been able to do our work in the past year.
That is why, as this year draws to a close, it is particularly important to me to thank our long-standing partners – above all the Environmental Foundation Greenpeace. They have been supporting us for several years now and look back on 25 years of work for the preservation of the environment, peace and international understanding in these final days of their anniversary year. Our deepest thanks for their fundamental support and trust in us!
Another long-standing partner and companion of the ERF since its inception and even before is Sean Willmore, founder of the ranger support organisation Thin Green Line Foundation. As he takes his well-deserved retirement, we express our personal thanks and best wishes for his new chapter in life. And of course we thank the Thin Green Line Foundation and all of our further partners for their awesome ongoing support, which helps rangers in Europe a great deal!
But first and foremost, the family is especially you, the rangers out there and your allies on the ground. Empowering you all to face current and future challenges is one of our most important reasons for being. This is what we want to achieve with our 6th European Ranger Congress Declaration. It aims to raise awareness about rangers' important role and the need for adequate staffing, equipment and working conditions among decision-makers. Click on the picture below to read the declaration!
And empowering rangers is what just has been put into practice again on site: one of our ERF Council members and our Secretary visited the rangers and conservationists in Moldova to support them in their preparations for the upcoming Natura 2000 programme, including the further establishing of the ranger profession in this country.
Read also:
- About the tragic loss of Spanish ranger Cristina Gallardo Gómez in an accident while working to protect nature
- What feedback more than 60 of the nearly 300 participants at the 6th European Ranger Congress give us
- An inspiring newsletter article from US rangers, who have been hit hard by cutbacks, featuring rangers from around the world
- Why after the congress is before the congress: Apply now and become the host of the 7th European Ranger Congress!
Peaceful holidays to all and a happy start to 2026!
Florin (Hombre) Halastauan, President of the ERF
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ERF Council member Michael Großmann and ERF Secretary Maria Gurscaia supported a conference in Moldova by providing in-depth insights into the work of rangers and the founding of Moldova's first ranger association. The profession plays an important role in the conference topic: Approaches to the protection of nature reserves in Moldova, taking into account EU standards. Read how this conference is helping the country to develop nature conservation standards with the Natura 2000 programme. A programme that applies across borders – just as nature knows no borders.
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Sean Willmore played a key role as advisor and supporter in founding the ERF. For this reason, and out of long friendship in many cases, members of our ERF Council and Executive Board offer him personal words and wishes as he embarks on a new chapter in his life. Sean is the founder and was the director of the ranger support organisation Thin Green Line Foundation (TGLF). He recently announced his retirement.
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Cristina Gallardo Gómez, an environmental ranger of the Generalitat Valenciana, Spain, sadly passed away in a tragic accident while she was carrying out conservation work in the area of Cala de Moraira, Marina Alta. She worked in a special unit for difficult terrain, such as the rocky cliff where she was working at the time of the accident, to help preserve Silene of Ifach. This unique cliff plant can only be found in the north of Alicante. Our deepest sympathies go out to her family and friends, whom we wish much strength in coping with this tragic loss. Read more about Cristina and how you can help.
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This year has been particularly tough for many rangers in the USA: massive job cuts, with some driving to work in the morning only to have to clear their desks in the evening. And then, finally, the government shutdown with all its consequences for continued pay, personal plans and much more. Against this backdrop, initiatives by US rangers such as a newsletter from Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska, which brought together rangers from all over the world, are particularly inspiring. Three rangers from Europe also took part, contributing their experiences, successes and tools to the exchange.
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The feedback we have received from more than 60 participants so far is encouraging. What was particularly helpful for you, what can you implement back in your ranger job, what would you have liked to see more of, what should we consider in the future, and what did not go well? We are summarising the feedback on these and other questions. And we would be delighted to receive further input from you – the survey is still open!
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Call for participation in the State of the Ranger Report Volume 2
- To all rangers and employers of rangers in Europe:
Help us collect data on the ranger profession from the perspective of rangers and employers!
- Because only when we have reliable data on the working situation across Europe can we advocate for you.
Click here to participate!
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We are excited to welcome three new members to our European ranger community:
- Rangers Belgium ASBL (Regular member)
- Catalonian Rangers, Spain (Regular member)
- EURL Abdelaziz Ben Mohamed Consulting, France (Associate member)
We are delighted about our growing community!
All informations about ERF membership:
Click button below
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We are opening the next call for applications for ERF members willing to host the 7th European Ranger Congress in 2028!
- Check out the criteria for hosting the European Ranger Congress
- Download and fill in the application form
Deadline for submitting applications to host 7th ERC is 31 March 2026.
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The Memorial Danilo Re is a sports event and the largest gathering for Alpine park rangers and managers. Protected areas form teams and compete in four different winter sports disciplines.
The 30th Memorial Danilo Re will be
- hosted by the Triglav National Park and
- takes place from 22 to 25 January 2026 in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia.
Register here or click below for more information.
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The 31st National Nature Conservation Conference from the German Ranger Association "Bundesverband Naturwacht"
- from 11 to 13 March 2026
- in Berchtesgaden National Park, German
- Topic: Rangers and tourism – Experiencing Nature without Endangering it
is open for international rangers!
Online inscription is available until 31 January 2026
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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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