In a proud moment for India on the global stage, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Mr. Kirti Vardhan Singh, participated in the ‘Recognition Ceremony of Forest Rangers’ held on the sidelines of the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi on October 11, 2025.
The event honoured the unwavering efforts of forest rangers, guards, and support staff who risk their lives daily to protect the planet’s biodiversity. On this occasion, Mr. Singh released the special report titled ‘Guardians of the Wild’, highlighting the courage and commitment of India’s frontline forest staff.
Forest Rangers: Unsung Heroes of Environmental Protection
Addressing the international gathering, Mr. Singh applauded the relentless dedication of forest rangers and guards. He emphasized that while global policies and conservation laws are crucial, it is the on-ground action of forest staff that ensures their true implementation. Their duties range from patrolling dense forests and counting wildlife populations to preventing forest fires and combating poachers and timber smugglers—often at great personal risk.
He also reminded the audience that many have laid down their lives in the line of duty, showcasing true bravery in the service of environmental protection.
Acknowledging Indigenous Knowledge and Traditional Wisdom
Mr. Singh reflected on his personal interactions with forest guards since childhood, admiring their indigenous knowledge and deep understanding of forests and wildlife. He urged governments to document and preserve this traditional wisdom, which has been passed down through generations and remains crucial to sustainable forest management.
In India, these brave men and women are honoured as ‘Vanrakshaks’ and ‘Vanrakshikas’, he said, a term deeply embedded in India’s cultural and ecological ethos.
India’s Commitment: Technology Meets Tradition
Reaffirming India’s commitment to environmental protection, Mr. Singh assured the Government of India’s continued support to frontline forest staff. He outlined various measures being taken to empower them, including:
- Capacity building initiatives
- Deployment of advanced surveillance technologies
- Use of drones, satellite monitoring, and radio collaring of wildlife
These initiatives not only aid in protecting forests and endangered species but also help mitigate human-wildlife conflict, ensuring safer ecosystems for both animals and communities.
Global Recognition Strengthens India’s Green Diplomacy
The recognition of Indian forest rangers at such a prestigious international forum also marks a milestone in India’s environmental diplomacy. It showcases the nation’s leadership in sustainable conservation efforts and commitment to protecting natural ecosystems through a synergy of policy, people, and technology.
Mr. Singh also congratulated the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) for organizing the recognition ceremony and bringing the contributions of these unsung heroes to the forefront of global dialogue.
