Let’s get wild at the 5th European Ranger Congress

The European Ranger Federation trains rangers to protect and conserve nature. As a part of the International Ranger Federation, it is creating a network in Europe and all over the world. It enables professional rangers and others to learn more about efficient ways of nature protection and conservation. The European Wilderness Society has been actively supporting Wilderness rangers from the European Wilderness Network and joined the European Ranger Federation last year. The European Wilderness Society has been invited to participate and present at the upcoming 5th European Ranger Congress, which will take place from the 11th to 16th May 2020 in the Bavarian Forest in Germany.

Dealing with ranger challenges

The main focus of the congress will be “Biodiversity on the Edge-working strategies for Rangers in a rapidly changing World”. During the congress, members and rangers will get tools to better prepare for their important work. For example, how to deal with daily mass tourism. But also with impacts of climate change and management of large carnivores. Another important topic is how to engage young people to value nature and pursue its conservation. To support the rangers with these important tasks, we provided rangers from the European Wilderness Network. For example the opportunity to join the US Wilderness Ranger Academy 2018 and the Wilderness Ranger Academy 2018.

Junior Rangers for future changes

During the congress, the Youth+ and the Junior Ranger programs will also have a meeting with the International Ranger Federation and the European Ranger Federation. The Junior Ranger Program enables young people to explore the work of a ranger and experience different countries. Junior Rangers explore wildlife, help professionals with daily tasks and monitoring projects. And by doing this, they can have a direct impact on their own future. To be a Junior Ranger is fun! So, don’t change climate- educate youth!