OUR CAMPAIGNS

A part of PAWAs charter is to undertake projects that improve the professional standards and recognition of PAWA members and to assist our colleagues elsewhere in the world to raise their standards of knowledge and skills so that they are better equipped to undertake their duties as protected area workers.

Below are briefs for the projects that PAWA is currently undertaking and links (where available) to more detailed information and updates. PAWA is always open to suggestions from members on other ways to fulfill our charter

Upcoming 2027 World Ranger Congress, Argentina

World Ranger Congress 2024 delegation – Hyeres France (courtesy Gardes Nature de France)

Every World Ranger Congress PAWA provides in-kind strategic operational and organisational support to the IRF through CORA to help protected area workers attend this important event.

In 2024 the World Ranger Congress was held in France.

In 2027 the 11th World Ranger Congress will be held in Puerto Iguazu, Argentina!

The World Ranger Congress is an initiative of the International Ranger Federation (IRF). It brings together Rangers from all over the world, giving them the opportunity to learn new skills, share knowledge and create partnerships. It occurs every three years in a different location, allowing host countries from each IRF region to raise the profile of Rangers locally and internationally. It allows them to showcase their successes, to identify how they’re addressing their regional challenges and share their knowledge and skills with colleagues from around the world.

PAWA has committed to assisting two NSW/ACT protected area workers, and one Oceania ranger to attend the 2027 World Ranger Congress.

Joining PAWA provides you with IRF membership and the ability to attend the congress.

Strict regional registration limits apply for the World Ranger Congress, so before you consider registering, please reach out to your PAWA representatives to discuss whether allocations for our region have already been exhausted.

Uniforms for Overseas Rangers

Samoan Rangers wearing repurposed and donated NPWS uniform

PAWA members sorting and packing boxes of uniform for distribution

PAWA continues to provide aid and assistance to Rangers in need overseas. After sending over 200kg of uniform to Samoa and PNG in 2023, followed by recognition and thanks from Peruvian Rangers at the 2024 International Ranger Congress PAWA has again been able to help fellow Rangers in places of more need with over 40kg of uniform recently being sent to Samoa.

This uniform will be utilised on the big Island of Savaii by community-based village Rangers. PAWA is currently in the process of sending uniform to Rangers in the Solomon Islands utilising the funds raised at the recent World Wetland Day Film Night fundraiser

Guardians of Hope Documentary film screenings

Filmed during Amanda Dudgeon’s epic Walking the Thin Green Line Oceania expedition, Guardians of Hope offers a rare and powerful glimpse into the lives, challenges, and resilience of the rangers who devote themselves to protecting the natural world. From remote islands to rainforest interiors, these unsung guardians reveal what it truly means to protect not just land and culture – but hope itself.

PAWA continues to support Amanda Dudgeon and Thin Green Line to promote this event and to assist hold film screenings.

More information about Guardians of Hope documentary here.

Fallen Ranger Fund

The Fallen Ranger Fund is a joint IRF - IUCN initiative, and supported by the Thin Green Line Foundation, to raise funds for the families of those Rangers who are killed or permanently injured whist carrying out their duties as protected area workers. The Fund is specifically assisting those families from nations that have no mechanism for compensation or security following the death or permanent injury of a Ranger.

PAWA has undertaken to hold at least one event annually where all funds raised will go exclusively to the Fallen Ranger Fund. One event will be held on World Ranger Day, the 31st of July, each year.

Equip Tanzania

PAWA is helping to equip community rangers in the transborder Selous - Niassa Wildife Corridor of Tanzania and Mozambique. Since 2010, PAWA has supplied laptops, 1st aid kits, GPS units, digital cameras, batteries and chargers to PAMS for their work in helping to protect the largest elephant, buffalo and sable populations in Africa.

Why we Equip Tanzania

Without the right equipment rangers can’t effectively do their job. Resources are scarce in many African countries which means rangers are left with little more than a rifle and ambition to protect wildlife.

PAWA partners with organisations on the ground to deliver and equip rangers with surplus or superseded fire uniforms, cameras, raincoats, field equipment, first aid kits, GPS units and laptops.

Who we partner with

In 2010 PAWA signed an Agreement of Co-operation with the PAMS Foundation to enhance conservation outcomes within Australia and Tanzania. PAMS Foundation is a not-for-profit conservation organisation founded in 2009 and registered in the USA, Tanzania and Italy. Their mission is to empower those who protect wildlife and wild places. PAMS Foundation works to protect endangered species and environments through strategic educational programs, ranger training and assistance with protected area management. PAMS Foundation works with all levels from school children, farmers, local authorities, higher level government, and international stakeholders.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

If you have equipment you can part-with then get in contact with us. What we value is small, light, high value goods that are easy to package and send overseas.

Apart from those already listed, you might have 2 way radios, tents, binoculars, satellite phones, trail cameras, compasses and tablets.

Of course funding is the most important gift. With funds, PAMS Foundation is able to locally purchase bulkier items from their wish list like aviation fuel, vehicles, bicycles, solar panels, etc.

Game Scouts receiving donated equipment (courtesy PAMS Foundation)