(Ecofin Agency) – African forest guards are exposed to numerous dangers linked in particular to animal attacks and conflicts with poachers. 140 of them lost their lives during the period from June 2023 to May 2024.
Prince William (photo), heir to the British throne, announced on Tuesday, November 5, the launch of new life insurance coverage for forest rangers who protect wildlife in Africa.
“These people do much more than protect the flora and fauna. They are educators. They support communities, and help regulate the sustainable use of natural resources”he declared in a speech delivered in Cape Town (South Africa), on the occasion of a Summit of the Royal Foundation specializing in the protection of endangered species “United for Wildlife”.
“We cannot protect our planet without them, which is why this initiative aims to ensure that rangers have much-needed life insurance coverage,” added the Prince of Wales.
Called “Ranger Welfare and Standards,” the five-year initiative is expected to provide 10,000 rangers across the African continent with access to “appropriate and affordable insurance during employment and in the event of medical evacuation”according to a press release from the British royal palace.
The number of deaths among African rangers was significant during the period from June 2023 to May 2024, with 140 of them losing their lives due in particular to animal attacks, work accidents and conflicts with poachers.
“That’s why I’m proud to announce that United for Wildlife is launching a new life insurance product designed specifically for rangers, in collaboration with la Game Rangers Association of Africa [l’Association des gardes forestiers d’Afrique, Ndlr] and the charity Tusk Trust”, Prince William pointed out.
Also read:
04/13/2021 – Gabon improves wildlife monitoring in Central Africa using artificial intelligence
30/10/2018 – The Earth has lost 60% of its wildlife in 44 years, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature
07/18/2018 – The Gabonese government and the FAO initial an agreement for the sustainable management of wildlife
03/30/2018 – Wildlife trafficking: a macabre competition between the West and Asia in the African savannahs
