This past month marks one year since we lost a great friend, devout ranger, and conservation hero – Anton Mzimba. We continue to miss his presence, warmth, and passion every single day. But during the last year, we’ve grown to see that a true legacy can endure well past your departure from this world. And what a legacy this man has left.

On July 26th 2023, Anton Mzimba, former GCC Technical Advisor and Head of Ranger Services at Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, was posthumously awarded the International Ranger Award by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Hosted by the IUCN and the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas, in collaboration with the International Ranger Federation, Re:wild, Conservation Allies, Universal Ranger Support Alliance, IUCN US and WWF Tigers Alive Initiative, the award aims to recognize the courage and sacrifice of these brave men and women, as well as to improve the rangers’ capabilities to raise awareness about the critical role they play in conservation efforts, and help them share unique stories and perspectives.

Without a doubt, Anton’s life is an inspiring and enduring story. Thank you to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Conservation Allies, IUCN US, Re:wild, WWF Tigers, Universal Ranger Support Alliance, and the International Ranger Federation for recognizing Anton’s lifelong commitment to this planet’s wildlife and wild spaces.

In December 2022 during COP15, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework set out ambitious biodiversity targets, which involves conserving at least 30 percent of terrestrial and inland water areas, and marine and coastal areas by 2030.

This goal is a tall order that requires dedication and teamwork.

This World Ranger Day we honor those who are in the frontlines who are working tirelessly to achieve environmental feats such as the one set during COP15.

Undoubtedly, rangers play a critical role in conservation. They put their lives at stake to safeguard nature, cultural and historical heritage, and protect the rights and well-being of present and future generations. Their bravery deserves to be recognized and celebrated.

From the GCC team across the globe, Happy World Ranger Day to all rangers, we are very grateful for your service!

#WorldRangerDay2023
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P.S. Check out the latest episode of the Rhino Man Podcast with Chris Galliers, the current President of the International Ranger Federation, as he and John discuss the future of rangers.

We’re always excited to share in grand adventures with our conservation partners. Last week, we enjoyed hosting our friends from the Katie Adamson Conservation Fund (KACF) at the Southern African Wildlife College. During the trip, the KACF Team had the chance to fund a very important conservation process – rhino dehorning.

It was an amazing experience all around, especially for these two pictured young learners who want to pursue careers as wildlife veterinarians. Thank you so much to the KACF for supporting our Future Rangers and their dreams. It is always a joy to have you!

In this episode we speak with Anastasia Khoo, the Chief of Staff and Chief Marketing Officer for Conservation International, about the importance of using communications and marketing strategies to engage the public to take action on behalf of nature.

Founded in 1987, Conservation International is one of the world’s largest conservation-focused organizations. Combining fieldwork with innovations in science, policy and finance, Conservation International has helped protect more than 6 million square kilometers (2.3 million square miles) of land and sea across more than 70 countries. With offices in more than two dozen countries and a worldwide network of thousands of partners, its reach truly is global.

The conversation with Anastasia also takes an interesting detour as we learn more about why mangroves are an often underappreciated – but critically important – resource in protecting ecosystems and communities alike from the ravages of climate change.

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At GCC, we believe that hands-on experiences play a crucial role in learning and development. Access to different environments enables students to build connections between abstract concepts in the classroom and concrete realities. This, in turn, fosters their curiosity and creativity and sparks a passion for learning.

Needless to say, being able to take our Future Rangers on various field trips is one of our biggest priorities. Through the support of our partners, we thankfully are able to plan these excursions regularly.

Read more about our most recent Future Rangers field trip to the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre and Blyde River Canyon here!