Help SCRA support a Ranger to attend World Ranger Congress 2019

The Scottish Countryside Rangers' Association (SCRA) is going to raise funds to send a Ranger from a developing country to attend the 9th IRF World Ranger Congress to be held in Nepal in November 2019 - why? - because in international conservation, their front line work is amongst the most important on the planet and they must be given a voice at this conference.

The International Ranger Federation (IRF) World Ranger Congress brings together Rangers from all over the world, giving them the opportunity to learn new skills, share knowledge and create partnerships. It occurs every three years in a different location, allowing host countries from each IRF region to raise the profile of Rangers locally and internationally. It allows them to showcase their successes, to identify how they’re addressing their regional challenges and share their knowledge and skills with colleagues from around the world.

Attending a congress like this is a once in a life time opportunity for many Rangers; meeting colleagues from around the world gives Rangers hope and boosts their morale. Often their jobs are located in remote and isolated areas where they don’t have a lot of contact with the world family of Rangers. They don’t often have the opportunity to exchange stories and learn from others that may be located half way across the world.

Traditionally, SCRA has tried to send a Ranger from a developing country to each World Ranger Congress, however in recent years, available funds have been limited. Unfortunately this meant that SCRA was unable to support a Ranger from a developing country to attend the last World Ranger Congress in 2016. This time around, with your much needed support, we're going to get back on track and resume this tradition.

We are looking to cover the Ranger's delegate fee and accommodation, as well as travel expenses. At the time of writing, the cost of the congress has not yet been announced, so based on previous years, we reckon we need to raise around £600-700 for the delegate fee and accommodation, and a further £800-900 for travel.

This Crowdfunder has been set up by Kate Elliott, on behalf of the Scottish Countryside Rangers' Association. Kate is SCRA's Secretary and International Representative, and attended the 8th World Ranger Congress representing SCRA (part-funded) in 2016. Kate's experience of attending the World Ranger Congress was an extremely positive one, allowing her to showcase some of the work which gives Scotland's Rangers a worldwide reputation and so maintain our highly regarded profile with the international community. It was also a great opportunity to network and make friends with Rangers from all over the world, gain valuable experience and to share and learn new skills and knowledge.

Kate is keen for other Rangers to have the same great opportunity that she had, particularly those who would not ordinarily be able to afford to attend the World Ranger Congress.

Your support for this cause is greatly appreciated! Giving money to this project is every bit as useful as donating to a wildlife charity, except you will know for certain it will assist their front line conservation work directly.

All monies raised will go directly to the Scottish Countryside Rangers' Association.

Thank you!