Translated with AI
Safarbi Davlatova, a forest ranger at the Dashtijum Nature Reserve in Tajikistan, has won the prestigious International Ranger Awards (IUCN) for her contribution to promoting gender equality and the conservation of endangered species. This was announced by the press service of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The International Ranger Awards are presented annually to rangers from around the world for courage, perseverance, and dedication in the line of duty. The awards aim to recognize the achievements of rangers, raise public awareness of the importance of their work, and support the territories they protect.
In 2025, IUCN, in partnership with Conservation Allies , the Universal Ranger Support Alliance , and the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), awarded six individuals and seven teams from 13 countries. Prizes ranged from US$5,000 to US$25,000. The laureates included representatives from Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Burkina Faso, Bhutan, Lebanon, Zambia, Panama, and other countries.
IUCN Director General Dr. Gretel Aguilar said the award highlights the rangers' heroism and dedication.
"The 2025 International Ranger Awards draw attention to the courage, dedication, and tireless work of rangers around the world. These individuals and teams are the true guardians of the planet's most precious ecosystems. Their work is inspiring and a reminder that protecting nature is a shared mission and a collective responsibility," said Aguilar.
She said IUCN would continue to support rangers who are "at the forefront of the fight to preserve our natural heritage for future generations."
Among those awarded are:
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Mugaruka Rodrigue Katembo , Deputy Director of Virunga National Park (DR Congo), for fighting corruption and protecting natural resources;
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The Limany Park Ranger Team (Ukraine) , for protecting river mouths and wildlife in conflict situations;
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Al Shouf Cedars Nature Reserve Ranger Team (Lebanon) , for forest conservation and community engagement;
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Lazizbek Khasanov (Uzbekistan) , Head of the Monitoring Department, for preventing deforestation and combating poaching;
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Benjamin Bassono (Burkina Faso) , anti-poaching coordinator, for successful anti-poaching initiatives;
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Kiunga Marine Park Ranger Team (Kenya) , for the conservation of coral reefs and mangroves;
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The Avenue of the Baobabs Conservation Team (Madagascar) for protecting unique forests from fires and anthropogenic threats.
Tajik ranger Safarbi Davlatova was recognized for her active work in preserving rare animal and plant species, as well as for promoting equal opportunities for women in conservation.
The award was presented at the IUCN World Conservation Congress, which took place on October 11, 2025, in Abu Dhabi. The winners were congratulated by representatives of international conservation organizations, scientists, politicians, and heads of state.
The award is funded by the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD), the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).
Over the past 15 years, more than 1,500 rangers worldwide have died in the line of duty. Many award winners work in dangerous conditions, risking their lives daily to protect nature.
According to IUCN, the rangers' work contributes to the achievement of the Global Biodiversity Framework's goals—specifically, conserving 30% of the planet's land, seas, and waters by 2030. Laureates also contribute to the development of local communities through education, environmental awareness, and sustainable development, affirming that "when nature thrives, people thrive."
