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.
Noel Bundal and Jeffrey David, part of the Ranger Team at Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park undertaking a benthos survey using the photo transect method. Photo: Jon Andrew Cabiles
The Ranger Team at Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park ranger station in the Philippines was awarded an International Ranger Award in 2023 for dedicated service and commitment as marine rangers.
Based on a remote island, the ranger team, all local community members, lives in isolation for extended periods far from their families and from support. Segundo Conales Jr., Noel Bundal. Jeffrey David and Crescencio Caranay persevered in the face of COVID-19, personal problems, typhoons, injuries, sickness, and threats.
Alongside marine research and monitoring, and assisting and educating visitors, the team works tirelessly to intercept illegal fishers, and voluntarily assists in the education and rehabilitation of offenders. As a result of their work, initially resistant local communities have now been inspired to support the park.
After receiving the US$10,000 award, the team funded an upgrade of the dated solar energy system at the ranger station that in turn improved energy supply to adequately use the communication equipment, and secured food storage in case of rough sea conditions. The award also funded patrol equipment and a life raft. Rangers from other agencies sharing the facilities equally benefited from the award.