Delhi,/Abu Dhabi, October 12(HS): Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, lauded the dedication of India’s frontline forest protectors during the Recognition Ceremony of Forest Rangers held on the sidelines of the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025.

Singh released the report Guardians of the Wild, paying tribute to “brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to conserving forests and wildlife.”

In his address, Singh emphasised that while strong laws and policies exist worldwide to safeguard biodiversity, it is forest rangers and support staff who implement these measures on the ground—risking their lives against poachers, timber smugglers and forest fires. He recalled personal interactions with forest staff since childhood, praising their indigenous knowledge and calling for its formal documentation.

Singh assured full government support for their welfare, highlighting India’s initiatives such as capacity building, drone surveillance, satellite tracking and radio collaring of wildlife to enhance protection and reduce human-animal conflict.

“In India, these men and women are honoured as Vanrakshaks and Vanrakshikas,” he said, congratulating IUCN and Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) for recognising their service. His official social media post declared the ceremony a “heartfelt tribute” to these “Guardians of the Wild,” accompanied by wildlife emojis and gratitude hashtags.

The IUCN event also saw participation of global conservation leaders, including Patrick Herminie of Seychelles, known for advocating stronger community-led conservation models to address climate change and protect endangered species in island nations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar