Elevation at 10 November: 62,000
Seven Summits Challenge
A global challenge to support the critical work of rangers in Timor-Leste.
Counting steps from Saturday 21 October, but official launch a week later on Saturday 28th on kunanyi/Mt Wellington due to weather!
The Challenge
Rangers and Parks staff ply their critical trade on all seven continents. Each continent has a highest peak, and all are in protected areas. The combined height of those peaks is 40 000 metres, and that is what we are going to climb the equivalent of: in three weeks!
Rangers from across Tasmania, mainland Australia, and each of the seven continents, will tackle peaks, hills, and stairs in their area, logging their elevation gain along the way. Funds raised will purchase 2 motorbikes and much needed computers for Timor-Leste’s Forest Guards.
The Steps
Kicking off on Saturday the 21st October and winding up on Sunday the 12th November, Parks staff from across Tasmania, the mainland and each of the seven continents will tackle peaks, hills, stairs etc in their area, and log by emailing TRA@parks.tas.gov.au. This can be walking, running or on a bike. A running tally of elevation gained will be kept updated on our social media platforms to achieve 40 000 metres in elevation. The walks/climbs don’t have to be big. We will be doing day walks or shorter and even the steps in office buildings count!
The Result
Back in 2021 there was the Ranger Relay: the Tasmanian Rangers Association had teams of Rangers walk down the length of Tasmania to raise funds for our fellow protected area managers in Timor-Leste. Those Forest Guards were greatly assisted in their efforts to protect the country's only National Park by the eight motorbikes we were able to contribute. All funds raised by the Seven Summits will build on the good work being done in Nino Konis Santana National Park. So donate today!
Nino Konis Santana National Park
Timor-Leste's only National Park
Nino Konis Santana National Park (NKSNP) lies on the Eastern tip of Timor-Leste, and is the country’s only national park. Declared in 2007, it is comprised of 168,000 hectares of land and 55,600 hectares of sea, the park is home to 15,000 people in six villages and remains the largest intact and most significant area for biodiversity on the Timor Island. The park is remote and rugged, at its highest point approximately 1000m above sea-level. The ‘thin green line’ protecting it are three volunteer-based Community Conservation Groups (CCG) and a government ranger team of 12.
The coastal and ocean-side of the park falls under the official jurisdiction of five Coastal Guards, who live in three of the villages of the park. Inland, the seven Forest Guards are dealing with forest encroachment for saleable timber, fuelwood or for slash and burn agriculture; forest fires; overgrazing; invasive species; wildlife poaching and growing illegal trade; and a proliferation of airguns.
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The NKSNP is formally managed by Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’ Directorate General of Forestry and Industrial Plants. The government’s budget allocation to the Department for Protected Areas and National Parks for FY20 was US$53,177, including salaries. The TRA is working with Conservation International to identify and prioritise equipment and training needs that we can fundraise for.
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Learn about the impact that the TRA Ranger Relay had back in 2021.
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Photo copyright World Wildlife Fund Inc./Tony Read.
