The IRF was founded on 31st July 1992 when the CMA, the Scottish Countryside Rangers Association (SCRA) and the US Association of National Park Rangers (ANPR) signed a joint agreement to raise awareness of, and support, the critical work that rangers do around the world.
The IRF now has around 140 member associations representing around 60,000 rangers in 113 countries across 7 regions.
World Ranger Congress
Every three years the IRF brings together rangers from all over the world to learn new skills, share knowledge and create new friendships and partnerships. The Congress is also an important forum for debate on issues that affect rangers on a global level.
Former locations have been:
- 2019 – Nepal
- 2016 – Colorado
- 2012 – Arusha, Tanzania
- 2009 – Santa Cruz, Bolivia
- 2006 – Stirling, Scotland
- 2003 – Wilsons Promontory National Park, Australia
- 2000 – Kruger National Park, South Africa
- 1997 – San Jose, Costa Rica
- 1995 – Zakopane, Poland
World Ranger Congress 2024 – Hyeres
Following a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 10th World Ranger Congress will be held later this year, from 7-11 October, in Hyeres, southern France. The Congress will attract over 400 ranger professionals and conservation workers to discuss topics of common interest and concern in an international networking and professional development event. The theme of the Congress will be “Contributions and developments of the ranger profession in order to achieve target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework (30 by 30 target)”.
Registration is now open, for full details and to book please go to: https://worldrangercongress.org/, we would strongly suggest that you do not book transport until your place at Congress is confirmed.
World Ranger Day, 31 July
On the anniversary of the foundation of the IRF, World Ranger Day is promoted. Achievements across the globe are celebrated, while we also remember those who have lost their lives, or have been injured, in the line of duty.
The Thin Green Line Foundation (TGLF)
TGLF is the charitable arm of IRF, supporting rangers and their families around the world.
