NCW Introduces National Professional Standard For Rangers To Enhance Environmental Protection In Saudi Arabia

The National Center for Wildlife (NCW) has introduced the National Professional Standard for Rangers. This initiative was unveiled during a workshop titled "National Professional Standard for Rangers: Aspiration and Empowerment." The event was supported by Abdulrahman Alfadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, who also chairs the NCW. Attendees included NCW CEO Dr. Mohammed Qurban, Chris Galliers from the International Ranger Federation, and various environmental specialists.

Dr. Qurban highlighted that this project coincides with World Ranger Day and aims to elevate the ranger profession in Saudi Arabia. He explained that it seeks to enhance the protection of natural resources within protected areas by adhering to top international standards. This initiative is part of a larger effort to boost environmental protection capabilities across the Kingdom.

The standard employs a competency-based approach tailored to Saudi Arabia's unique environmental conditions. A specialized team developed it by analyzing tasks and comparing them with international ranger competencies from the International Ranger Federation. This process involved identifying duties, responsibilities, behaviors, and knowledge essential for rangers and creating suitable training plans.

In developing this standard, 21 experts participated, including 18 national reserve rangers and three senior international specialists. They conducted an extensive analysis of professional requirements, resulting in 12 core duties and 110 detailed tasks related to protection, monitoring, enforcement, guidance, and emergency response.

Fifteen integrated training packages were created to support competency-based training and enhance field performance. Dr. Qurban emphasized that these standards align with International Ranger Federation criteria. This alignment ensures they serve as a reliable national reference for institutionalizing ranger roles while enhancing oversight and public awareness.

The standard aims to unify professional practices across protected areas in Saudi Arabia. It is seen as a crucial step toward building qualified national talent and supporting the operational infrastructure of protected areas.

Vision 2030 Goals

This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030's objectives to protect 30% of the Kingdom’s terrestrial and marine areas. It sets a regional model for advancing environmental protection professions by institutionalizing ranger roles and unifying practices across protected areas.

Dr. Qurban concluded by stating that this professional standard is vital for developing national talent in environmental protection fields. It supports operational infrastructure within protected areas while aligning with broader goals under Saudi Vision 2030.

With inputs from SPA