Training Rangers to Fight Crime

This past year, more than ever before, has placed Africa in a critical situation with surging illegal poaching rates. A negative effect on numerous wildlife protection programmes has left endangered animals increasingly vulnerable. With an overarching purpose to protect wild places, the Frontier Collective works with partners and beneficiaries across Africa to support vital conservation initiatives. A unique combination of niche skills and local experience amongst the Frontier team enables a powerful understanding of the people and varying environments across the continent.

Despite Africa hosting over 7,000 protected areas, not all are as effective as they seem. Connectivity and reliability describe the paramount factors affecting the use of technology in these remote regions where power is unreliable. Undulating terrain in the operating environments can interfere with signals, further establishing technology as expensive and, at times, impractical.

This is where Field Rangers come in. People physically on the ground are more often than not the only reliable, affordable tool that is available. As certain areas cannot be observed from satellite imagery, simple solutions such as patrols and area clearances require people. However, to succeed in securing millions of miles of wilderness, Field Rangers must receive the correct training and tools to complete their work effectively. After all, Africa’s inhabitant wildlife is almost entirely dependent on these inspiring humans. 

From finance and banking to military and local trackers, the Frontier team have a diverse skillset which they use to support protected areas and conservation efforts in a holistic manner. Unfortunately, an escalating number of armed groups are destabilising African countries, coming up against authorities, game scouts, individuals and agencies mandated to protect these areas. Not only does wildlife crime and poaching raise a lot of money, but Africa’s remote environments allow these groups to transit through and set up camp. 

Therefore, transitioning Frontier’s military experience and knowledge to the conservation space is crucial. If Field Rangers are to face these powerful armed groups, they must be equally well-trained to complete the job adequately and safely. Despite thousands of individuals currently in the field, more are still needed to effectively secure Africa’s wild places and wild animals.