He explains that the key to successfully protecting and conserving wildlife and wild places, is to have more, and give better support to, rangers.  Rangers are at the frontline of combating poaching, conserving the vast wild tracts of Africa and reducing human-wildlife conflict.  He shows how better trained and supported rangers lead to vastly better conservation outcomes.

Andrew also shows that, to keep and grow the number of Africans in this essential profession, it is essential to improve ranger wellbeing and safety, for instance by contributing to ranger care programmes, which provide proper medical evacuation and disability benefits.

Andrew Campbell grew up on a farm in South Africa and has always had a passion for the outdoors and an interest in conservation, in which he now has 20 years’ experience.  He holds a BSc degree in Geography and Politics from Rhodes University, an MPhil in Environmental Management from the University of Stellenbosch and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from the University of Witwatersrand.  

Andrew’s career has focused on supporting those who are working in the frontlines of conservation practice across the African continent.  He is now CEO of the Game Rangers Association of Africa, Africa’s largest rangers’ organisation.  He was previously an Executive Director of Conservation Matters, which provides numerous environmental and conservation advisory and consulting services.  He also sits on the board of numerous charities and NGOs relating to the conservation sector.

This webtalk is in conjunction with The Elephant Foundation and its Elephant Week.

https://www.theelephantsociety.org
 

The opinions expressed in this talk are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the Royal Geographical Society - Hong Kong.