Remembering the Rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and celebrating the works of Rangers in protecting the natural resources, foresters, rangers and conservationists observed the World Ranger Day at Chelela in Paro yesterday.
As part of the day, the Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS) introduced a new insignia system for every rank in the forestry profession. Until now, ranks after forest ranger do not have insignia. The new insignia system will have stars on the colour and a logo of the department on shoulder flaps.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forests (MoFA) also recognised and honoured Rinchen, a forester with Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary or his service to the nation. He lost one of his eyes when firecrackers exploded trying to scare away the wild elephants from fields.
Like him, many Rangers across the world are either injured or killed in the line of duty. Around 1,000 rangers were killed in the line of duty in the last 10 years worldwide, according to Thin Green Line Foundation, an organisation dedicated to providing Rangers worldwide with the assistance they deserve and need.
Working to protect the endangered species, rangers and foresters sometimes are targeted by poachers.
“There are illegal poaching and the poachers come from different places. We border with China and India and people from across the borders also come for poaching. Some they carry weapons, so it is risky for us,” Tshewang Namgay, the Forest Ranger of Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve (JKSNR), said.
“We have the issue like Human-wildlife Conflict all across the country. And we are faced with challenges while dealing with different issues in different places. For instance, Haa and Paro have issues like poaching and illegal timber trade,” Sonam Tobgay, the Chief Forest Officer of JKSNR, said.
Despite all the challenges, the foresters across the country have been successful in preserving and conserving the natural heritage of the country. Bhutan has 10 formally protected areas covering more than half of the total areas of the country.
“The whole mandate of ensuring 60% of forest cover for all time to come and it lies on the shoulders of the forests department and all those officials working in the department. That itself, for me as a ranger, is an awesome mandate and also an achievement to maintain that. And at the same time, for the entire world when it comes to environment conservation, Bhutan is the leader,” Sonam Tobgay added
As a tribute to rangers across the country, the MoAF formally inaugurated the Chelela- Sagala trail and hiked halfway through the trail in memory of the fallen rangers.
Also as part of the day, several nature-related publications and reports by different parks and divisions under the DoFPS were also launched. There are a total of 747 bird species in the country, moth count to more than a thousand and fish species to 23. Some of the most endangered animals like snow leopards, Asiatic elephants and tigers are being protected.
The World Ranger Day was first celebrated in Bhutan in 2017. There are around 1,800 foresters in the country today.
