World Ranger Day: Honoring those fallen and serving rangers

31 July 2022: One of the momentous events of the Rangers, World Ranger Day 2022, was celebrated with all the jubilations by forestry offices around the country. Moreso, not just in honour and memory of those fallen colleagues who laid their life in line of duty but also in appreciation and gratitude to those who despite all the challenges are firm in their efforts of conservation of our natural heritage.

In Thimphu, the event was observed at Hotel Le Meridian with Hon’ble Agriculture and Forests Minister, His Excellency Lyonpo Yeshey Penjor gracing as Chief guest accompanied by Hon’ble Secretary, Dasho Thinley Namgyel.

In his welcome address, the Director of the Department of Forests and Park Services informed that the day is an important event since it is dedicated to all the rangers and in recognition and appreciation of their unstinted efforts in conservation of our natural heritage. The Hon’ble Lyonpo, in his keynote address also said that rangers are not only involved in conservation of our flora and fauna but also provides services to our people. β€œHence, it is a tribute to the dedicated service and hard work of the rangers.”

Several launching programs were also held which included;

  1. Online forestry clearance system,
  2. First Forest Type Map of Bhutan,
  3. High Conservation Value (HCV) National Interpretation,
  4. DFO management plan,
  5. Gender mainstreaming guideline,
  6. Comic book,
  7. Medical plants used by local healers (part I & II)
  8. Assessment and Mapping of water sources in Bhutan,
  9. Conservation Law Enforcement Curriculum framework.

The World Ranger Day (WRD) was founded by International Ranger Federation (IRF) in 2007. Internationally, 31st July is observed as WRD to honour rangers for their hardship, commitment and sacrifices while safeguarding the pristine environment. The Rangers, who are always on the frontline of conservation, come together to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duties. The theme for WRD 2022 is “π‘…π‘Žπ‘›π‘”π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘  π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘’ π‘›π‘œ π‘ π‘‘π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘›π‘”π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘  π‘‘π‘œ π‘‘π‘–π‘£π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘ π‘–π‘‘π‘¦,” as embracing the diversity among Rangers are seen as important as we appreciate the diversity in the natural world.

Bhutan first celebrated the World Ranger Day in July 31, 2017. This year, the event was celebrated with the support of WWF Bhutan Program.

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