Karingani Game Reserve marked World Ranger Day on 30 and 31 July 2024 with visits to two community schools and a celebration at its headquarters in Massingir, honouring the men and women who protect its wildlife. The day also paid tribute to rangers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Mozambique’s theme for 2024 was “Rangers Closer to the Community in Biodiversity Protection and Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation”.

Rangers in the classroom

• Schools: Teams of rangers, community liaison officers and teachers visited Mapulanguene Primary School in Magude and Cubo Primary School in Massingir, speaking with 6th and 7th grade students.
• Talks: Forest and Wildlife Rangers led the lessons, covering what rangers do, how to become one, how rangers work with the community, and their role in preventing and reducing human-wildlife conflict.
• Drawing contest: Students drew pictures on the World Ranger Day theme. The top five at each school won school supplies and other prizes, and the winning drawings were displayed at the Reserve’s event.
• A visit to the Reserve: The winners will later visit Karingani with their teachers and community leaders, go on safari and meet Reserve staff.

The celebration at Mbilu

On 31 July the celebration moved to the Reserve’s headquarters, Mbilu, which means “heart” in Changana. The programme included a men’s football match between Karingani and the neighbouring community of Década da Vitória, a parade of rangers, testimonials from rangers, a tribute to fallen Karingani rangers, a reading of the Ranger Code of Conduct, certificates and prizes for outstanding rangers, and speeches. The day ended with a lunch and party for Reserve management, rangers, staff and players from Década da Vitória Football Club.

“This occasion recognizes the immense contribution of Forest and Wildlife Rangers to humanity. At Karingani, we choose to celebrate by bringing the theme to life with concrete community outreach actions. Many of our rangers come from local communities and are essential partners, acting as ambassadors for the reserve by promoting environmental education and harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife with charisma and a friendly demeanor.”

Mateus Mutemba, Executive Director, Karingani Game Reserve

“We celebrate our day with great joy. With Karingani’s support, we are increasingly empowered to make a difference in environmental and wildlife protection. We have been successful in combating poachers not just because it is our job but because it is our responsibility and life mission.”

Jeremias Nyathi, Patrol Commander, Delta Group

Investing in rangers

Karingani invests in its rangers through international-standard training, sniffer dogs, aerial and ground patrols, technology, and the right equipment and tools. It also works with local communities to build a better understanding of the ranger’s role. Mateus Mutemba said the Reserve’s investors and management are committed to investing in rangers’ training and skills and to improving their working and social conditions.

According to the International Ranger Federation, about 140 rangers lost their lives in the line of duty in the year before the 2024 celebration.

Frequently asked questions

How did Karingani celebrate World Ranger Day 2024?

On 30 and 31 July 2024 Karingani’s rangers visited two community schools, and on 31 July the Reserve held a celebration at its Mbilu headquarters with a football match, a ranger parade, a tribute to fallen rangers and awards for outstanding rangers.

Which schools took part?

Mapulanguene Primary School in Magude and Cubo Primary School in Massingir. Rangers spoke to 6th and 7th grade students, and each school’s top five drawings in a World Ranger Day contest won prizes and a future safari visit to the Reserve.

What was the theme of World Ranger Day 2024 in Mozambique?

“Rangers Closer to the Community in Biodiversity Protection and Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation”.

How does Karingani support its rangers?

Through international-standard training, sniffer dogs, aerial and ground patrols, technology and proper equipment, along with a commitment to improve rangers’ working and social conditions.