North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane, described the province’s Park Rangers as the frontline custodians who have dedicated their lives to protect wildlife.
This emerged during the World Ranger Day celebrations held in Tsitsing, near Rustenburg at the Moses Kotane Local Municipality.
According to Lenkopane, support from both the department and the ranger’s families is crucial in boosting their morale to safeguard the province’s natural gems.
The MEC however, expressed concern regarding the declining numbers of rangers but believes skills development programmes will help mitigate the challenge.
“We are facing a situation where too many of our rangers resign and this needs to end.
Capacitating our rangers and making sure they are well taken care of is of utmost importance to our conservation efforts,” said Lenkopane.
She highlighted their key role in the efforts to drive economic growth and enhance tourism attraction.
The department presented the rangers with awards of recognition and participation in amongst others, field knowledge, shooting, obstacles, and competitive physical skills.
Furthermore, Lenkopane used her address to condemn rhino poaching and cautioned the Rangers against falling prey to the crime.
She warned that rhino poaching not only poses a risk to population decline and ecosystem disruptions but, it also has dire economic consequences.
The MEC said they continue to work with law enforcement agencies to combat criminal activity across the province’s parks.
