Upemba Welcomes 62 New Rangers to Strengthen Conservation Efforts

Communication
Oct 2
2 min read

On Saturday, September 13, 2025, Upemba National Park (UNP) held a landmark ceremony at its Lusinga headquarters to celebrate the graduation of 62 new rangers. After three months of intensive training, these young men and women officially joined the ranks of UNP, strengthening the frontline team dedicated to protecting nature. Their recruitment followed a highly competitive process that drew hundreds of candidates from surrounding communities and other regions of the country.

The ceremony was co-chaired by Director Lucien Gédéon Lokumu, ICCN’s Director in charge of training at CorPPN, representing the Director General of the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN), and Director Innocent Mburanumwe, Deputy Site Manager of UNP. Distinguished guests included the commander of CorPPN, General Albert Massi Bamba, representatives from the 22nd military region and the 2nd defense zone, ICCN’s provincial leadership, administrative authorities from Mitwaba territory, members of the security services, and traditional chiefs from neighboring communities.

The program featured parades and demonstrations showcasing the skills and discipline the new rangers had acquired.

Opening the ceremony, Director Mburanumwe thanked all invited guests for their presence despite their many responsibilities. He then addressed the graduates, commending them for their discipline, perseverance, and sense of duty. He went on to tell them:“Now entrusted with greater responsibilities, you are called upon to embody in the field the values of courage, loyalty, and professionalism that define the mission of an eco-guard. Through your actions, the future of our environment—and thus of our country—is being built. Your role goes beyond the individual; it forms part of a universal cause: the safeguarding of nature for the benefit of all humanity.”

Concluding his remarks, Director Mburanumwe encouraged the new rangers, saying: “I urge you to serve with discipline, integrity, and determination, always keeping in mind that your mission is both a patriotic duty and a legacy for generations to come.”

Addressing the graduates, Director Lokumu underscored both the weight and the honor of their mission:

“Your task will be demanding, sometimes difficult, but always noble. You will face challenges, but you will also witness the beauty of nature and be proud of the work accomplished. I invite you, dear eco-guards, to demonstrate integrity, courage, and discipline in carrying out your duties, while respecting human rights and the laws of the country.”

This milestone follows the recruitment drive launched last year, which also concluded with a graduation ceremony on November 12, when 31 recruits joined UNP’s ranger corps. Strengthening the ranger workforce is vital for enhancing conservation capacity and safeguarding biodiversity in this critical protected area. This effort aligns with both national and global priorities, contributing to Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework—conserving 30% of land, water, and seas by 2030—and supporting the DRC’s commitment to protect 17% of its territory designated for nature conservation.

Beyond its immediate impact, this graduation marks another step in the remarkable renewal of Upemba. In recent years, the park has undergone a profound transformation under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between ICCN and Forgotten Parks, with the support of partners such as the European Union. The arrival of this new generation of rangers symbolizes hope and resilience, ensuring that Upemba continues to fulfil its ecological role not only for the region but also for the DRC, Africa, and the planet.