Nigerian emerges new Africa representative of International Ranger Federation

The Assistant Conservator of the National Park Service (NPS), Mohammed Dikko Bala, has emerged as the new regional representative for Africa in the recent election of new executives of the International Ranger Federation (IRF) at the 10th World Ranger Congress (WRC) held in Hyeres, France.

The new Africa Regional Representative, Dikko Bala, who is a dedicated and highly committed ranger, promised to continue protecting and promoting the interest of African rangers, forest guards and other protected area workers.

He expressed gratitude to the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Lawal Abbas and the Conservator-General of the National Park Service, Dr Ibrahim Musa Goni, for their kind approval and unwavering support for his participation in the elections.

Bala promised to be more dedicated and committed in his new position towards giving African rangers a renewed hope and a befitting representation at the IRF as well as in realising the 30X30 target.

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He explained that the 30X30 target is the target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) aimed at achieving effective conservation and management of at least 30 per cent of the earth’s land and sea area by 2030.

In his message at the 10th IRF Congress, President of International Ranger Federation, Chris Galliers, emphasised the critical role rangers play, especially given the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.

While calling for more support for rangers, he said, “Ask yourself this simple question, how much wildlife would there be today, if there were no rangers, and you will realise why the world needs to recognise the value and importance of rangers, particularly in light of the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss facing humanity.”

Galliers said: “Whether state, private, volunteer or indigenous community rangers, rangers are essential planetary health workers and are the key workforce in achieving the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework targets.”

He noted that the 10th IRF World Ranger Congress was an opportunity to share knowledge, develop new skills, broaden perspectives, forge meaningful collaborations and collectively, advance the ranger profession.

The International Ranger Federation Congress is a triennial global forum; the 10th IRF Congress attracted over 400 ranger professionals and conservation workers to discuss topics of common interest and concern in an international development event.