Africa is in the midst of a conservation crisis, where it is facing the loss of countless species and the destruction of its wild landscapes. The driving forces behind this devastating crisis are the illegal wildlife trade, the expansion of human settlements and the insatiable demand for protein from the rapidly expanding human population. While these pressures are real, it is Africa’s Rangers that must meet these threats head on in an effort to protect the continent's remaining wild landscapes. Their actions deliver security and create safe places so ecosystems can function and provide for the benefit of people and wildlife.
In an effort to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible work Africa’s rangers do, in July 2017 Jack Ma announced that the Alibaba Foundation together with the Paradise Foundation would set up a 10-year African Ranger Awards program to support 50 wildlife rangers in Africa per year. Each recipient is awarded US$3,000. The awards seek to raise awareness around the world about the need to conserve Africa's wildlife, emphasizing the critical role that front-line rangers play in conservation. By sharing those real-life stories, this award aims to help stem the current decline in Africa's wildlife populations.
African Parks has the largest ranger team for any one NGO in Africa, with over 1,000 rangers in 10 countries working on the frontline to provide safety and security for the wildlife and people living in and around each of the 16 parks under its management. Since the inception of the African Ranger Awards African Parks has nominated Rangers based on the challenges they have had to surmount, the impact they have made, and the commitment, leadership and inspiration they have given to their team over the course of service. Several of these Rangers were selected as finalists in 2018 and again in 2019.
© Tom Parker 
