11th October, Abu Dhabi: Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change Govt of India, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, officially released the Wildlife Trust of India’s (WTI) report, “Guardians of the Wild: Supporting India’s Frontline Forest Staff”, along with Mr. Vivek Menon, IUCN Councillor and Executive Director of WTI, Mr. Azzedine Downes, President and CEO, IFAW- International Fund for Animal Welfare, Ms. Madhu Rao, Chair IUCN WCPA and H.E. Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi.

Released during the IUCN WCPA International Ranger Award Ceremony at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, the report brings into focus the critical role and immense challenges faced by India’s frontline forest staff–the unsung heroes safeguarding the country’s rich biodiversity.

Union MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh lauded WTI’s commitment to protecting the interests of frontline forest staff | Photo by Stacey Hedman/IFAW

Guardians of the Wild documents WTI’s 25-year commitment to India’s frontline defenders of wildlife, including personal narratives from the field, photographs, and a gallery honouring 540 rangers who were injured or killed in the line of duty and subsequently supported by WTI.

Often referred to globally as rangers, India’s Van Rakshaks are responsible for protecting over 1,100 Protected Areas and numerous other forests and natural habitats. Their duties include round-the-clock patrolling, wildlife monitoring, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, combating wildlife crime, and responding to emergencies, often under life-threatening conditions.

Launched in 2000, WTI’s Van Rakshak Project (VRP), supported by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), aims to build a strong, well-equipped, and motivated force of frontline forest staff across India. To date, the project has supported over 21,000 personnel nationwide through a diverse range of capacity-strengthening initiatives. These include training workshops focused on wildlife crime prevention, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, and basic wildlife rescue techniques. It also involves the provision of essential field gear, crucial for patrolling and safety.

A key component of VRP is the Supplementary Accident Assurance Scheme, which offers immediate financial assistance to frontline forest staff—including temporary and daily wage workers—in the event of injury or death in the line of duty. Since 2001, financial aid has been provided to 367 frontline staff or their families, with nearly 74% of these cases involving fatalities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, WTI extended support to 173 families of forest staff who lost their lives through a dedicated Conservation Heroes COVID Casualty Fund.

Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, highlighted the significant risks faced by India’s frontline forest staff, stressing the importance of ensuring their well-being. He added that the report reflects WTI’s commitment to protecting the interests of frontline forest staff and confirms that wildlife conservation is most effective when carried out from the ground up.

The report documents WTI-IFAW’s 25-year commitment to India’s frontline defenders of wildlife| Photo by Stacey Hedman/IFAW

Mr. Vivek Menon, founder & ED, WTI and Councillor, IUCN said, “This report honours the courage, resilience, and sacrifice of India’s Van Rakshaks and highlights the urgent need for more investment, recognition, and support for those who protect our natural heritage. We are deeply honoured to have Hon’ble MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh release Guardians of the Wild at the IUCN WCC, a moment that reinforces the global significance of their role in conservation.”

Mr. Azzedine Downes, President and CEO of IFAW, said, “Frontline forest staff are the backbone of conservation, often risking their lives to protect wildlife and their habitats. For over two decades, IFAW has stood in solidarity with these brave individuals across India—supporting them, learning from them, and bearing witness to their extraordinary courage. This report is not only a tribute to their service, but a call to action: to invest in the people who make conservation possible.”