Parks Stewardship Forum

This paper addresses the current state of knowledge around a variety of employment indicators that would fall under the designation of “ranger employment welfare.” Although limited, the information presented here paints a disturbing picture of the current state of ranger employment, one characterized by low levels of benefit and high exposure to danger and risk. Both the processes of the International Labour Organization and the content of the recently agreed-upon Chitwan Declaration are addressed throughout this piece. The concluding section provides a set of recommendations, which are principally directed at two groups: the government agencies that employ most rangers, and those non-governmental organizations that seek to improve ranger employment conditions and effectiveness.