World Ranger Joint Statement Australian Ranger Associations:
On July 31st, 2024, World Ranger Day, significant monuments in four states in Australia will be lit up green to bring attention to this important commemoration. A number of the Australian Ranger Associations, namely the Tasmanian Rangers Association, South Australian Ranger Association, Protected Area Workers Association (NSW/ACT), Northern Territory Ranger Association and the Association of Rangers and Conservationists Victoria have joined forces to coordinate this stunning display in support of Rangers globally. In the spirit of Paul Kelly’s popular tune, the initiative is one whereby literally ‘From Little Things, Big Things Grow’, and we look forward to seeing the city lights highlight Rangers locally, regionally and globally to commemorate their dedication to the conservation of species and habitats.
World Ranger Day
World Ranger Day is celebrated annually on July 31st to commemorate Rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work Rangers do to protect the planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage. World Ranger Day is an International Ranger Federation initiative promoted together with The Thin Green Line Foundation. This year the day focuses on the ’30 by 30‘ goal, based on the 2022 United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15), where a Global Biodiversity Framework was agreed upon by world leaders and decision-makers. Target 3 outlined a requirement that at least 30 per cent of the planet is effectively conserved and managed by 2030 (’30 by 30’). This target cannot be achieved without adequately resourced and trained area-based workforce.
At the forefront of this workforce are rangers and protected area workers, encompassing state employed personnel, Indigenous peoples, community and voluntary guardians, and personnel of privately managed areas. Their work includes protection, conservation, monitoring, visitor services, fire management, law enforcement, education, community support, and regulation of sustainable use of natural areas.
World Ranger Day Honour Role Video:
Light Up Locations
The light up green events around Australia are inspired by the 2023 efforts of the Thin Green Line and the Tasmanian Ranger Association with their innovative idea to light up the Tasman Bridge in Hobart.
Rangers across Australia, Oceania and world wide are connected through the International Ranger Federation and these networks have paved the way for this idea to spread across the Nation. Rangers across Australia hope that the community will come to see the monuments lit up green, and share their support for Rangers on World Ranger Day.
Across Australia the following monuments will be lit up green on World Ranger Day July 31st:
Tasmania:
Launceston Town Hall
Paranaple Arts Centre
Leven River Bridge
ANZAC Park Fountain
Wrest Point Casino
Derwent Entertainment Centre
Tasman Bridge
Victoria:
Melbourne Town Hall
Tullamarine exchange
South Australia:
River Torrens Footbridge
Parliament House
Queensland:
Rockhampton – Heritage Façade Lights
Townsville – Townsville sign, Victoria Bridge, George Roberts Bridge, Old Magistrates Court House, Flinders Square, Little Fletcher Bridge, Central Park Boardwalk
Cairns – Court House Gallery
Brisbane – Story Bridge, Victoria Bridge, Wickham Terrace Car Park, Breakfast Creek Bridge
The Thin Green Line Foundation
The Thin Green Line Foundation recognised the need for Rangers to be supported globally and are leaders in fundraising, advocating for and promoting Ranger well-being since 2007. Based in Australia the Foundation supports rangers in their role as nature’s protectors and first responders.
On World Ranger Day the Thin Green Line Foundation shares:
‘On July 31st each year our community pauses to reflect on the sacrifices made by rangers, and to celebrate the incredible work that rangers do every day to protect our planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage. On this day, we honour Fallen Rangers. We advocate for rangers to be respected as the critical frontline of conservation. We celebrate our colleagues and the friendships we have made among our community. We stand as one’.
The light up green events around Australia are inspired by the 2023 efforts of the Tasmanian Ranger Association and their innovative idea to light up the Tasman Bridge in Hobart. Rangers across Australia, Oceania and worldwide are connected through the International Ranger Federation and these networks have paved the way for this fantastic idea to spread across the nation. Rangers across Australia hope that the community will come to see the monuments lit up green, and share their support for Rangers on World Ranger Day.
World Ranger Day Resources:
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