ONE HUNDRED TWENTY rangers have completed a two-month training aimed at equipping them with skills and knowledge to provide security to national parks and natural resources.

Yesterday’s graduation was officiated by the Minister for Internal Security, Sheikh Musa Fasil Harerimana, at the Police Training School in Gishari, Rwamagana District.

The ceremony was attended by the chief executive of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Francis Gatare, the  Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana, among other dignitaries.

The training of the rangers organised by Rwanda National Police (RNP) and RDB, as a collaborative effort to advance tourism and sustainable development through strengthening biodiversity conservation.

Harerimana congratulated the rangers and urged them to use acquired skills to protect Rwanda’s wildlife against poachers and other unlawful activities that damage the environment.

"The training you have received will enrich your skills and readiness to ensure the security of national parks against poachers and other criminals that might use these places as hideouts,” he said.

"Although environmental crimes are often unknown, they impose a security and safety threat to development. Today’s graduation is yet another milestone in the prevention, reduction and detection of pertinent issues that affect the environment.”

Gatare said the training is one of the solutions to illegal activities in national parks, as well as a limited number of professional park rangers to protect wild animals.

"The destruction of wild animals and insecurity of tourists affects the tourism sector. Our mandate is to conserve the rich biodiversity of protected areas and develop sustainable tourism in collaboration with RNP and other stakeholders,” he said.

"RDB and RNP are working on a comprehensive strategy to address wildlife-related concerns through joint enforcement operations. Training of park rangers is one of those crucial areas that will be very fruitful in sustaining the beauty of our environment.”

Police Spokesperson Celestin Twahirwa said for the last 15 years of community-based policing, RNP has emphasised, among others, environmental protection to complement the government’s tourism development.

"The issues of a modern park ranger are diverse and require dedicated, professional and highly disciplined personnel to meet the demands of a rapidly growing tourism industry,” Twahirwa said.

"The role of RNP in environmental protection comprises not only law enforcement but also active participation through awareness campaigns and practical interpretation of environment laws to citizens.” 

For two months, the park rangers were trained in several disciplines, including paramilitary and field ranger techniques that entailed physical fitness drills, fire arm handling, navigation, wilderness communication, and ranger professional ethics.