On World Ranger Day in 2017, Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba and co-chair of Paradise International Foundation, announced the Paradise African Ranger Awards, a ten-year initiative to support 500 wildlife rangers across Africa.
We are delighted to announce that Rianto Lokoran, second in command of Borana’s armed security team, has been selected as one of the rangers to have won the 2019 Paradise Ranger Award. This award is given annually to 50 rangers in Africa who have made outstanding efforts to combat poaching, habitat loss, and the illegal wildlife trade.
Rianto started work on Borana Conservancy over ten years ago as a fencer and gate keeper. He then moved to be an apprentice guide at Borana Lodge where he was mentored into guiding and quickly showed an interest in lion and mitigating human wildlife conflict. From there Rianto joined the anti-poaching team in 2012. He has worked his way up the ranks and now is second in command, responsible for 115 wildlife rangers. He is a brilliant inspiration to employees on Borana showing how with hard work and diligence anyone can achieve their goals and ambitions.
Before joining the NPR (National Police Reservists) team in 2014, Rianto worked as part of the lion monitoring team, collecting data and responding to incidences of livestock predation within the communities. From there, now as a Silver Guide License holder, he also acted as a guide to visiting groups to the conservancy discussing the importance of conservation and the wider landscape. Rianto’s knowledge of Borana’s fauna is exceptional and he has a real passion for sharing this with others. His work is changing attitudes and showing the communities first-hand the significant benefits of protecting wildlife.
Earlier this month, World Ranger Day was celebrated across the globe. A day to both commemorate Rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the critical work that Rangers continue do to protect the world’s natural and cultural treasures.
We are always extremely thankful to the 115 wildlife rangers on Borana Conservancy, as well as those across the globe, who dedicate their lives to the protection and conservation of endangered species and landscapes.
Congratulations Rianto for this will deserved recognition for your incredible hard work!
You can help with conservation efforts on your next visit to Borana and spend time with the anti-poaching team.