Environment

2020 World Ranger Day: 137 Park Rangers Died In 12-Month-IRF President

Published

4 years ago

August 4, 2020

Joel Ajayi

President of International Rangers’ Federation(IRF) Chris Galliers, has revealed that 137 park Rangers have lost their lives to wildlife attacks among several unfortunate homicide related cases, in the last 12 months across seven regions of the world

IRF’s President Galliers made the disclosure at the 2020 World Ranger Day, celebrated on July 31 of every year.

According to Galliers’ speech and which was read by Dr Ibrahim Goni, Conservator- General, National Park Service, during a Zoom meeting in Abuja to commemorate world rangers day in Abuja.

He said the figure accounted for the highest number of Rangers deaths since the inception of the Roll of Honour in 2011.

Galliers said of the seven IRF regions, Asia had the greatest number of rangers’ killed at 66 deaths , which represents 48 per cent of all ranger deaths, while Africa had the second highest number of Rangers’ deaths of 40, making up 30 per cent.

“We know that this number could be considerably higher, as not all ranger deaths are reported or publicised. The number is still unacceptably high, with 1,013 recorded ranger deaths over the past decade.

“This is of major concern. We, as the ranger family, share in the loss of our colleagues and their families, and look to honour them on World Ranger Day for all that they had contributed to the profession and conservation.”

He said the main cause of death on duty for rangers was homicide which accounted for 43 deaths,saying these deaths mostly occured in Africa and Asia.

“In addition, the environment in which rangers work can be hostile and dangerous, threatened by the very animals that they serve to protect.

“Wildlife attack accounted for the second highest cause of ranger fatalities, with 24 deaths. Other causes include accidents- 33 deaths; drownings -14 deaths and illness/ natural causes- 23 deaths.”

The IRF President said the the federation, at the World Ranger Congress, at Nepal in November, 2019, set some ambitious actions to professionalise the sector and support those working on the frontline.

He said for rangers around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic had created new challenges and threats, adding that for the most part, rangers had been classified as essential services allowing them to continue their invaluable work.

According to him, rangers need the support of the world and to achieve this, regardless of COVID-19, or not, there is a need for empowered and well supported rangers, operating in a more secure work place, who will become ambassadors for the profession to inspire the next generation.

“We hope that the world takes a greater appreciation of the value of protected and conserved areas and the people who protect them, and realise having a minimum of 30 per cent of the earth protected by 2030 is a real necessity.

” On behalf of IRF and the Board we thank all those that are taking the time to voice their support for rangers. Thanks too must go to all that are running programmes to keep rangers operational and effective through this difficult time.

‘ Finally, a thank you to the ranger families for their support and the sacrifices that they live with continuously and we wish all rangers a celebratory day where every ranger can feel that the role they play is valued.”

Mr Andre Dunn, Wildlife Conservation Society(WCS), Nigeria Project , in his remarks said the current COVID-19 pandemic had added to some of the challenges being faced by rangers.

Dunn, however said it was commendable to note that ranger patrols by the Nigerian National Park Service had not once faltered during this turbulent period.

According to him, with the support from WCS, Rangers are a force for good in Nigeria.

“Ranger teams in Yankari Game Reserve have not lost a single elephant to poaching since 2015.

” Dedicated ranger units in Cross River National Park have drastically reduced poaching of Cross River gorillas, and there has been no record of gorillas killed in Okwangwo since 2008.

“Only constant patrols by courageous rangers in Gashaka Gumti National Park has kept Nigeria’s largest wilderness area safe and secure, free from the scourge of Boko Haram. ”

He,however, noted that Nigerian rangers needed automatic weapons, better training, improved remuneration and better working conditions.

Dunn added that the rangers also needed joint patrols with the army and improved recognition of the work they do to improve security for all Nigerians, not just for wildlife.

“‘ Also confidence that the poachers they risk their lives to arrest will be prosecuted according to the full force of the law, and would not be released to reoffend; zero tolerance for violence or threats of violence against rangers. ”

Gfhnews reports that some rangers from the various national parks across the country shared their experiences and called for provision of more sophisticated equipment and support for effective service delivery.

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Environment

Earthic Energy To Establish Solar Manufacturing Factory In Nigeria

Published

6 months ago

May 26, 2024

The Gleamer

By Uche Onyeali

Indigenous clean energy company, Earthic Energy Limited has disclosed plans to set up a solar energy manufacturing factory in Nigeria.

Chief Executive Officer of the company, Miss Blessing Anulika Achebe gave the hint during the launch of the company in Abuja, at the weekend.

Miss Achebe, who disclosed that she has been in the solar energy business for five years, said though the journey had not been easy, but she and her partners are focused towards achieving the set goals of the company.

According to her, “The journey so far has not been easy, but I have been working with utmost determination, when I make up my mind to do something, I put in my best and God’s grace will always pave way for you with hard work.

“I have worked so hard to get to where I want to be today. I have tried so hard to make all my dreams come true. Like I said earlier, with the mercy of God everything has come to pass.”

On how she could cope with the competition in the sector, Achebe noted that her firm does not admit any factor that could stand as drawback, as a lot of women are already making waves in various sectors of the economy.

“Our determination is unhindered, though we acknowledge such competition as it paves the way for more resilience. Women are now taking over the world.

“I have been into solar for more than five years. Right now I have been pushing so hard and I see how the world is evolving around energy.

“I have made up my mind that said this is what I want to do. I said if I don’t get to where I want to be, there is no going back; I would go above the limit. I want to change lives; I want to make the world a better place. That is why I came up with ‘Earthic Energy Limited’ because the world revolves around the earth. The earth is where we live and that is why my colour is green and sun yellow. So I want to power the whole world.
“Our plan is to set up a solar energy factory in Nigeria where we can manufacture our own products,” she said.

She called for more investors and government at all levels to take advantage of Earthic’s services, which include solar streetlight installation, inverter/grid installation, construction, training/empowerment, as well as contract financing and partnership, supply/credit sales.

Speaking at the occasion, a Professor of Biochemical Pharmacology at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Professor Zaruwa commended Miss Achebe for her vision and bold step into the clean energy sub-sector.
Professor Zaruwa, a former Vice Chancellor of Adamawa State University, Mubi, urged government at all levels, especially governors in the northern part of the country where there is enormous sun, to partner Earthic Energy to improve power supply in the country.

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