It was a day of celebration in the world of conservation as Maputo National Park welcomed their newest ranger recruits in a recent passout parade. Everyone gathered around to watch nature’s newest heroes take the stage as this parade marked the end of tough ranger training programmes that took place between 2021 and 2022.
Trained field rangers are one of the most valuable resources for conservation areas, and as they are often on the frontlines, it is important that they are adequately equipped with skills that enable them to not only protect themselves but their team and the wildlife when out on patrol. The courses that the rangers completed included patrol operations, human rights in conservation, boat operating tactics for marine patrols and advanced patrol tactics.
Being skilled in these areas allows counter-poaching units to strengthen their capabilities when responding to the growing challenges of organised crime and the poaching and trafficking of wildlife, making them a force to be reckoned with.
Peace Parks Foundation and donors have continued to support the Mozambican Government so that the country’s protected areas, such as Maputo National Park, remain intact for future generations. Large areas such as this contribute to southern Africa’s biodiversity, while eco-tourism developments in the park help to support inclusive and sustainable economic growth and create decent working opportunities for those that live on the land.
Through the generous funding of donors, Maputo National Park has been able to invest in new technology, such as a helicopter that helps units react faster and a radio network that enables communication between rangers in the field and those in the control room.
Peace Parks Foundation is very proud of the dedication and commitment these recruits have shown and welcomes them to Maputo National Park. We look forward to following along on their journey.
