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.
Nominations for the 2025 awards, which will be presented at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in October 2025, are open until January 31, 2025. 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.
The Menraq Team at the Royal Belum State Park in Malaysia was awarded a 2023 International Ranger Award for exemplary achievements in community led conservation of tigers.
‘Menraq’ is a group formed to mobilise the Indigenous Jahai community to protect the Malayan Tiger. They patrol the remote and hazardous landscapes of the Royal Belum State Park, located on Peninsular Malaysia.
Using modern technology and traditional knowledge to monitor wildlife, the team collects evidence of illegal activities and deters poachers. The team has secured a voice in the management of the Park, building understanding between the Park management and their community.
Their dedication has led to an increase in tiger numbers in the Park and has been instrumental in Royal Belum State Park being awarded the Conservation Assured Tiger Standards (CATS) in March 2023, the first such site in Southeast Asia.