The IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas International Ranger Award recognise and celebrate Protected Area rangers and their vital and often challenging work, and advocate for support and improvement of working conditions in order to accelerate nature conservation. Since 2021, 59 awards have been presented to teams and individuals from 32 countries, totalling a value of $480,000 in the last three cycles.
Find out more about the awards and how to nominate an inspiring ranger or ranger teams deserving recognition from your organisation or area.
The awards are hosted by the IUCN and the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas, in collaboration with the International Ranger Federation, Conservation Allies, Universal Ranger Support Alliance, and IUCN-US.
Meet some past awardees to learn about their work and accomplishments.
Fetiya Ousman, from Ethiopia, was presented with an International Ranger Award in 2023 for outstanding resoluteness and leadership as a head ranger and a pioneer for gender equality.
Fetiya leads a team of 60 rangers addressing poaching, encroachment and human wildlife conflict in Babile Elephant Sanctuary. Until recently she was the only female member of the team. She has overcome cultural and personal challenges throughout her career and has brought new approaches to peaceably addressing the threats faced by the Sanctuary.
Her quick wit, attention to detail and loyalty to the office have endeared her to her colleagues, and her skilled, powerful communication and fight for gender equality have inspired more female rangers to join the team from the community.
Since receiving the award, Fetiya has been able to continue her university education, together with her colleagues complete a variety of technical training courses, and fund much needed equipment and tools for more effective patrolling of her team. Her long term goal is to become the Sanctuary’s Chief Warden.