U.S. Embassy
Avenida Kenneth Kaunda, 193
Caixa Postal, 783
Maputo
MOZAMBIQUE
PRESS RELEASE
U.S. Government Commemorates World Ranger Day and Recognizes the Bravery and Dedication of Mozambican Scouts and Rangers
July 29, 2021 – On World Ranger Day on July 31, the U.S. Embassy congratulates the Government of Mozambique and its scouts on achieving over three years without a single elephant being poached for its ivory in the Niassa Special Reserve.
The United States remains a steadfast partner in combatting wildlife and forest crimes in Mozambique.
Mozambique’s rangers and scouts fight courageously to protect and conserve its rich wildlife and environmental resources and safeguard its national parks and reserves.
This day celebrates their work as committed guardians of the natural heritage of Mozambique and honors the memory of those who have died in the line of duty protecting wildlife from poachers and conserving essential wild spaces.
As Niassa Special Reserve’s largest donor, the United States Government has spent nearly $15 million over the past five years to support the Wildlife Conservation Society and the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), and will contribute an additional $10 million in support over the next five years. The United States has contributed an additional $2 million to counter wildlife poaching and strengthen prosecution of wildlife crimes in the Reserve.
In Gorongosa National Park, the United States remains committed to supporting the Greg Carr Foundation and ANAC in their efforts to restore the Park’s rich biodiversity and ecosystems. Over the past 15 years, the United States has provided more than $50 million in Gorongosa National Park to counter wildlife poaching and support the livelihoods of local communities.
In addition, USAID/Mozambique has provided $900,000 to the U.S. Forest Service to support ANAC, the Niassa Reserve, and other conservation partners from 2020 to 2022.
The United States salutes the bravery and dedication of Mozambique’s scouts and rangers, and looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Government of Mozambique to conserve its rich wildlife heritage and protected spaces.
For more information about this press release, please contact the U.S. Embassy Maputo Press Office at MaputoPress@state.gov.
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