TEHRAN –Every year on July 31st World Ranger Day is celebrated worldwide to reflect on the courage and sacrifice made by rangers who bravely undertake their role on the frontline.

Rangers and environmental defenders are at the forefront of protecting wildlife, natural resources, and ecosystems, sometimes sacrificing their lives to preserve nature.

The day aims to commemorate rangers injured or those who have lost lives in the line of duty.

It underscores the significance of supporting rangers, who have dedicated their lives to protecting wildlife and natural landscapes, as well as recognizing their efforts and challenges.

The 2024 World Ranger Day theme is ‘30 by 30’ based on the 2022 United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15), where a Global Biodiversity Framework was agreed upon by world leaders and decision-makers.

It highlights a requirement that at least 30 percent of the planet is effectively conserved and managed by 2030 (‘30 by 30’).

It cannot be achieved without an adequately resourced and trained area-based workforce.

At the forefront of this workforce are rangers and protected area workers, encompassing state-employed personnel, Indigenous peoples, community and voluntary guardians, and personnel of privately managed areas.

Their work includes protection, conservation, monitoring, visitor services, fire management, law enforcement, education, community support, and regulation of sustainable use.

In Iran, the eighth day of Aban – the 8th Iranian calendar month, which falls on October 29, is approved to be registered on the national calendar as the ‘Ranger Day’.

Currently, there is one ranger for every 30,000 to 40,000 hectares of protected areas, while usually there should be one ranger for 1,000 to 3,000 hectares.

Over 100 species of vertebrates in the country are in danger of extinction, and about 160 species are protected.

Some species including the Asiatic cheetah, great bustard, and fallow deer are critically in danger of extinction, while others such as the Persian zebra have limited habitats.  Some animals like bustards suffer from illegal trafficking, and the habitats of some species such as leopards are being destroyed.

Each of these species faces unique problems and needs particular protection methods.

To protect the country's environment well, it is essential to increase the number of rangers by 10 times.