Safeguarding wildlife and human life: Rangers as first responders

Rangers' role as emergency first responders is becoming increasingly important in the face of escalating climaterelated natural disasters and extreme weather events. Drawing on a review of literature and data collected from surveys and focal group discussions, this study explores r...

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Main Authors: Kayla Werner, Rohit Singh, Chris Galliers
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 2024-11-01
Series:Parks
Online Access:https://parksjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Werner-et-al._PARKS-30.2.pdf
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author Kayla Werner
Rohit Singh
Chris Galliers
author_facet Kayla Werner
Rohit Singh
Chris Galliers
author_sort Kayla Werner
collection DOAJ
description Rangers' role as emergency first responders is becoming increasingly important in the face of escalating climaterelated natural disasters and extreme weather events. Drawing on a review of literature and data collected from surveys and focal group discussions, this study explores rangers' role as first responders in Asia. A total of 52 rangers from 12 countries were surveyed, revealing the diverse expectations, responsibilities and challenges rangers are facing. Of these, 59.6 per cent of rangers had experienced increased responsibilities during a disaster, including evacuations, rescue and recovery operations, and delivery of essential supplies like food and water. Despite their essential contributions, a majority (over 60 per cent) of rangers surveyed had not received training on first aid, flood response, emergency evacuation or disaster response. Although results varied by specific issue, overall findings indicate an urgent need for policy changes to professionalise the ranger workforce, improve training and access to resources, and establish institutional support systems for rangers. Highlighting rangers' contributions outside of conservation increases visibility of the unique value rangers add in other sectors like public health and safety.
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spelling doaj-art-b196920b683747c49a1bebfe6deea8252025-08-20T01:59:04ZengInternational Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)Parks0960-233X2411-21192024-11-01302132410.2305/UXEM2729Safeguarding wildlife and human life: Rangers as first respondersKayla WernerRohit SinghChris Galliers Rangers' role as emergency first responders is becoming increasingly important in the face of escalating climaterelated natural disasters and extreme weather events. Drawing on a review of literature and data collected from surveys and focal group discussions, this study explores rangers' role as first responders in Asia. A total of 52 rangers from 12 countries were surveyed, revealing the diverse expectations, responsibilities and challenges rangers are facing. Of these, 59.6 per cent of rangers had experienced increased responsibilities during a disaster, including evacuations, rescue and recovery operations, and delivery of essential supplies like food and water. Despite their essential contributions, a majority (over 60 per cent) of rangers surveyed had not received training on first aid, flood response, emergency evacuation or disaster response. Although results varied by specific issue, overall findings indicate an urgent need for policy changes to professionalise the ranger workforce, improve training and access to resources, and establish institutional support systems for rangers. Highlighting rangers' contributions outside of conservation increases visibility of the unique value rangers add in other sectors like public health and safety.https://parksjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Werner-et-al._PARKS-30.2.pdf
spellingShingle Kayla Werner
Rohit Singh
Chris Galliers
Safeguarding wildlife and human life: Rangers as first responders
Parks
title Safeguarding wildlife and human life: Rangers as first responders
title_full Safeguarding wildlife and human life: Rangers as first responders
title_fullStr Safeguarding wildlife and human life: Rangers as first responders
title_full_unstemmed Safeguarding wildlife and human life: Rangers as first responders
title_short Safeguarding wildlife and human life: Rangers as first responders
title_sort safeguarding wildlife and human life rangers as first responders
url https://parksjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Werner-et-al._PARKS-30.2.pdf
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