What a moment for Salonga National Park, the surrounding communities, and the Democratic Republic of Congo!
Onn the 13th May 2026, 63 new rangers graduated after 90 days of intensive, immersive training deep in one of the most remote environments on Earth.
This was a big event. Under the watchful eye of the Director General of the ICCN, park authorities and staff, community representatives and families, the recruits swore an oath to protect the DRC’s natural heritage before receiving their certificates.
Salonga is one of the largest and most remote tropical forest protected areas on the planet. Training and supporting rangers here require extraordinary commitment, logistics, leadership and teamwork behind the scenes.
These young men and women now step into one of the world’s most demanding conservation landscapes as law enforcement officers, conservation professionals and ambassadors for the park within their communities. Ahead of them lies a difficult job, but also a real career and future.
To the 63 graduating rangers: huge congratulations. What you have achieved is extraordinary. To everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this happen, and to our incredible team – thank you.
A huge thank you as well to the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) for supporting the accreditation certificates.
