In Bolivia, park rangers play a crucial role in the protection and conservation of ecosystems, from the plains of Madidi National Park to the towering glaciers of Sajama National Park. These unsung heroes, as highlighted by Marcos Uzquiano, president of the Bolivian Association of Conservation Park Rangers (Abolac), are essential for preserving the country's natural resources and biodiversity.
Celebrated on November 8, the National Park Ranger Day emphasizes their positive impact on local communities and sustainable development. Their work involves defending biodiversity across tropical forests, mountainous regions, deserts, and wetlands, which are home to endemic and endangered species.
Despite Bolivia's vast 22 million hectares of protected areas, safeguarding these spaces is no easy task. Rangers combat illegal hunting, deforestation, and wildlife trafficking, while also conducting monitoring and studies to ensure long-term conservation of emblematic species like the jaguar and the bear.
However, these silent protectors face numerous challenges, including wildfires, encroachment from colonizers, illegal mining, poaching, and even drug trafficking. They often work in remote locations under adverse conditions, lacking the necessary resources to handle extreme situations.
With only about 295 park rangers for over 182,716 square kilometers of national parks, the numbers are insufficient. For instance, in Tunari National Park, eight rangers oversee 300,000 hectares, highlighting the urgent need for increased funding and resources.
Illegal mining poses a significant threat, particularly in Madidi National Park, where river contamination is a growing concern. Despite these challenges, the pride of protecting Bolivia's natural wealth keeps rangers motivated.
In a recent statement for Park Ranger Day, Abolac called on the National Service of Protected Areas (Sernap) to address overdue payments and ensure future budgets are allocated for hiring more rangers and improving operational logistics.