Nepal has been selected to host the 9th World Ranger Congress for the first time in Asia for its exemplary work towards achieving remarkable anti-poaching success in the recent years in the wildlife conservation.

The 8th World Ranger Congress held in Estes Park in Colorado, USA last week took a historic decision to hold the 9th World Ranger Congress, a tri-annual event in Nepal in 2019, where rangers and conservationists from across the globe come together to discuss appropriate measures to ensure the protection of wildlife and biodiversity.

 “Hosting the Congress is a great honour for Nepal and the brave men and women who patrol our parks, and without whom we would never have achieved zero poaching,” said Krishna Prasad Acharya, director general of Nepal's Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.

“We look forward to share our anti-poaching success with the world,” he added.

Nepal’s positive strides, particularly in protecting endangered rhinos and tigers have been hailed and recognised by the world in the recent years. The dedicated efforts jointly from the rangers along with high level political will, cooperation with the military and increased community involvement, have helped the country in combating rhino poaching. In early May this year, the country marked one-year of zero poaching of rhinos.

The International Ranger Federation (IRF) organised the 8th World Ranger Congress bringing together 321 rangers from 62 countries to share challenges and opportunities, and build solidarity between rangers and ranger associations from around the world.

The conference concluded with the Estes Park Declaration, which recognised the bravery and heroic efforts of rangers in protecting wildlife and natural areas around the world, read a statement issued by WWF Nepal on Monday.

“The Federation is very excited to award the 9th World Ranger Congress to Nepal to be held in 2019. Not only will it help to promote the dedication and sacrifice of Nepalese rangers, and their zero poaching target, but it will highlight the courage of all rangers in the Asia region and the entire world,” the statement further quoted Sean Willmot, president of IRF, as saying.

“Rangers are true heroes of the planet, so let's ensure we all do our utmost to provide them with all the support they need to protect the world’s wildlife and wild places,” added Willmot, WWF statement read.