Protecting nature in Iran is impossible without rangers who, in cold and heat, away from their families and sometimes risking their lives, safeguard wildlife and natural habitats. However, the shortage of personnel, livelihood difficulties, and lack of equipment remain serious problems for these forces. November 8, National Ranger Day, is an opportunity to appreciate the guardians of nature and remind the necessity of greater support for them.
New Programs to Support Rangers
Brigadier General Reza Rastgar, commander of the Environmental Protection Organization's protection unit, announces the unit's plans to improve the conditions of rangers. Increasing food rations, pursuing increases in service-related bonuses, recruiting 500 new personnel, and strengthening protective equipment are among the programs being pursued to support rangers.
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Brigadier General Rastgar emphasizes that rangers, with love and passion for nature, sometimes go beyond their job descriptions, stating that these forces must have the necessary authority to confront offenders and also be able to establish effective communication with local communities and nature lovers.
Challenges and the Necessity of Legal Reforms
Protecting nature in Iran has claimed 154 martyrs among rangers so far. Therefore, legal support and equipping these forces are more necessary than ever. One of the key demands of rangers is the reform of the weapon usage law. This issue was pursued in the parliament last year and received positive opinions from three committees after review and presentation of documentation in the relevant committees.
Brigadier General Rastgar sees the goal of this legal reform as providing the possibility for legal and authoritative action against offenders and states that this does not mean unregulated use of weapons, and training rangers to comply with laws is also included in this reform.
He also emphasizes the necessity of improving the living conditions of rangers, saying: "Rangers receive salaries like other employees, but their working conditions and missions differ significantly, and greater support for these individuals is necessary."
Brigadier General Rastgar announces plans to recruit 500 new personnel by New Year's Eve and states that strengthening human resources is one of the priorities of the protection unit. We are also in the process of launching a ranger training program in vocational schools across the country to train specialized personnel.
Rangers have been equipped with body cameras to have the necessary documentation during their missions. Additionally, plans to use drones and strengthen protective equipment are on the agenda.
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