African Ranger Awards

Backgroud：

Africa has the world's richest wildlife resources; however, wildlife trade is still rampant there although it is illegal. Every year, many rangers sacrifice their lives fighting against armed thieves and poachers. A survey in 2016 showed that in Africa, 82% of the rangers’ lives were at risk while on duty, and more than 60% of the rangers were directly attacked by poachers. In 2006-2016, at least 1,000 rangers died protecting wildlife. （*Source: https://www.worldwildlife.org/publications/life-on-the-frontline-2018 ）On July 21, 2017, Jack Ma announced that the Alibaba Foundation together with the Paradise Foundation would set up a 10-year African Ranger Awards program to support 50 wildlife rangers in Africa per year. Each recipient will be awarded US$3,000.

Goal：

The African Ranger Awards seeks to raise awareness in the world about the need to conserve Africa's wildlife, emphasizing the critical role that front-line rangers play in conservation. By sharing those real-life stories, this award aims to help stem the current decline in Africa's wildlife populations.

Under the 10-year African Ranger Awards program, 50 African front-line wildlife rangers will be officially recognized each year. Each winner will be awarded US$3,000.

Progress：

	In July 2017, the African Ranger Awards launched.
	In April 2018, the nomination of the first African Ranger Awards ended; the committee received 146 nominations from 21 countries.
	In May 2018, confirmed by the committee, 50 rangers from 17 countries were shortlisted for the 2018 African Ranger Awards.
	On August 7, 2018, the first African Ranger Awards ceremony was held in Cape Town, South Africa. Some representatives of the award-winning rangers attended this ceremony. Jack Ma awarded the representatives on behalf of the Alibaba Foundation and Paradise Foundation. For the first time, these rangers received financial and technical support from China.
	On April 1, 2019,nomination to the 2019 African Ranger Awards opened.