Thirteen former rangers from Virunga Park are among the Wildlife Enforcement Champions in 10 countries that received the Clark R. Bavin Award on August 20, 2019. These merits were awarded to them at the 18th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna Flora (CITES) in Geneva.

They are Patrick Muhayirwa, Charles Syaira, Jonas Malyani, Pacific Fikirini, Faustin Nzabakurikiza, Jean Byamungu, Barthelemie Mulewa, Theodore Prince, Liévin Kasumba, Kanawa Sibana, Ila Muranda, Rachel Baraka and Kasereka Ezechiel respectively. These former rangers from Virunga National Park in DR Congo have been posthumously honored for paying with their lives to protect wildlife.

« The importance of efforts to combat wildlife crime can not be underestimated. Those honored today for their outstanding efforts, including 16 rangers who died in the line of duty, should be recognized around the world for their commitment to preserving this planet’s unique biodiversity from the wildlife criminals who steal from us. wildlife, « said Ayman Welfare Institute (AWI) President Cathy Liss.

Hier, à Genève, lors de la 18ème convention sur le commerce international des espèces de faune et de flore sauvages menacées d'extinction, les rangers du parc national des Virunga tombés en service ont reçu le prix Clark R. Bavin à titre posthume. https://t.co/9Ip5hS1wX6 pic.twitter.com/DbxSUPUhce

— Gisèle KAJ Adjeta (@gisele_kaj) August 21, 2019

It is clear that the importance of efforts to combat wildlife crime can not be underestimated. Rangers have one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, especially as they pursue wildlife criminals in town and on the ground.

In often harsh conditions, rangers target those directly responsible for the killing of wildlife, as well as the chain of people who pay, facilitate, license and, ultimately, profit from the crime.

« The world’s flora and fauna are threatened by criminal organizations, poachers and others who do not hesitate to kill and capture wildlife through greed and insensitivity, regardless of the damage done to wildlife. ecological function and biodiversity. Anyone who cherishes our wildlife heritage owes a lot to those honored here today, « said DJ Schubert, Wildlife Biologist for AWI.

Since 1997, 124 individuals and / or agencies from 38 countries have received the Clark R. Bavin Wildlife Enforcement Award, which is awarded only to CITES COPs. This year, CITES Secretary General Ivonne Higuero presented the award at a ceremony organized by the Species Survival Network.

Emilie MBOYO