The Field Ranger Pass-Out Parade is a day of celebration where 41 rangers from Namibia are receiving certificates that recognise their completion of a tailored Field Ranger course. The programme empowers rangers with essential skills to better protect elephants and other wildlife that move freely between Namibia, Botswana, Angola, and Zambia, which are under severe threat from poaching and wildlife crime.
This vast area, which is part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, is called the Kwando Wildlife Dispersal Area (Kwando WDA). The Kwando WDA, an important area for widespread animal movement and migration, includes the Luengue-Luiana National Park in Angola, Sioma-Ngwezi National Park in Zambia, Mudumu and Bwabwata National Parks in Namibia, and their conservancies and game management areas. This unique area features unfenced borders and unrestricted wildlife movement, with elephants from Chobe moving across conservancies and national parks in Namibia. However, poaching and illegal logging pose significant challenges to the conservation efforts in this area, which are made even more difficult to combat as accessing parts of the transboundary area is tough. This presents a major obstacle to law enforcement operations, especially ground patrols.
Recognising the urgent need to strengthen and enhance the capabilities of rangers by developing and standardising ongoing wildlife protection protocols, the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area Secretariat and Peace Parks Foundation, in collaboration with the Southern African Wildlife College, initiated a Field Ranger training course. Support from the European Union-funded CITES Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (or MIKE) Programme, the KAZA Secretariat , and various national wildlife agencies enabled this course to become a reality. The rigorous course included modules that covered essential skills from crowd management and tracking to first aid and court procedures. The rangers were tested mentally and physically through interactive explanations and practical sessions, preparing them for the unpredictable nature of the job and the threats they may face in the field.
The Pass Out Parade symbolises a strong stance against poaching and illegal activities threatening wildlife in the region. Participants not only gained knowledge and skills to safeguard vital resources but now also serve as role models for future generations of rangers, female and male alike, motivating them to join the cause and become a powerful force for wildlife conservation.
Find out more about this inspiring event and the journey of Sandra, a proud and empowered graduate of this challenging course, rising through the ranks and ready to take her new skills into the field.
