By Derick Tsimba
Zimbabwe through Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZIMPARKS) has joined the rest of the world to commemorate World Ranger Day held on 31st July, each year in support of conservation of wildlife and the natural ecosystem, the Harare Post can report.
On its Facebook page, ZIMPARKS said it had joined the rest of the world in commemorating the World Ranger Day, which offers the Authority the opportunity to support the vital work of protecting wild animals in Zimbabwe.
“ZIMPARKS joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Ranger Day. This day offers a chance to support our vital work which ranges from conservation of wildlife, protection of biodiversity and the natural ecosystem.
“The day is also an opportunity to pay tribute to our rangers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. These are indeed our conservation heroes who put their lives on the line in defence of our most treasured asset – wildlife,” said ZIMPARKS.
ZIMPARKS manages one of the largest estates in the country, which is close to 5 million hectares of land about 13% of Zimbabwe’s total land area. The Authority is an agency of government that manages the country’s national parks.
The International Ranger Federation created the World Ranger Day, which was first held in 2007. Across the world, Park Rangers are given support for their vital work on the World Ranger Day. Over 100,000 reserves, parks across the world are protected by Rangers.
This day is celebrated in commemoration of Rangers that have been injured or killed in line of duty and also celebrating work done by Rangers around the world as they protect the cultural heritage and natural treasures of each country.
