International Rangers Foundation (IRF)

The International Ranger Federation (IRF) is a non-profit organization established to raise awareness of and support the critical work that the world’s park rangers do in conserving the natural and cultural heritage.  Founded in 1992, the IRF has a membership of 63 ranger associations from 46 countries, on six of the seven continents. The role of the IRF is to empower rangers by supporting their national or state ranger organizations, or assisting in the establishment of local ranger associations in countries where they do not currently exist. The IRF exists to: Further the professional standards of rangers throughout the world. Advance the aims of the IUCN’s World Conservation Strategy. Share knowledge and resources. Establish global communications with ranger organizations. Foster professional exchanges between rangers. Arrange regular international meetings, including a World Congress every 3 years. Undertake joint activities to directly support each other’s operations where necessary and feasible. Work with the charity arm The Thin Green Line Foundation to train, equip and support  rangers and  widows of rangers killed in the line of duty Represent rangers interests through close co-operation with other international organisations. Park rangers, their ranger associations, and the IRF ensure the world’s terrestrial and marine parks, and the flora and fauna that live in them, are protected from vandalism, poaching, theft, exploitation or destruction. As guardians of the natural and cultural resources, rangers are first on the scene of illegal or unsustainable exploitation of these resources, often at great personal risk. Regional conflict, civil war and political unrest also greatly impact protected areas and the rangers that manage them. The rangers require special support structures, training and equipment to carryout their jobs. IRF provides training, capacity building and exchange programs to its members in order to ensure park rangers are well trained and properly equipped to manage the world’s most precious wildernesses. The IRF also advocates for good governance and the enactment of enforceable laws that protect rangers from assaults while performing their duties. The IRF is the voice of park rangers, in the international community, in calling for greater support for rangers in carrying out their vital role in the protection of the parks.