Embrace National Project
A SANParks Honorary Ranger initiative in collaboration with SANParks
What is Embrace National Project about?
Field rangers in our National Parks are real life heroes. They are driven individuals who chose careers are and was intended to be in conservation, but have been compelled to broaden their responsibilities to include anti-poaching and law-enforcement activities. They are dedicated, resilient individuals who work in teams to conserve and protect our natural heritage.
A ranger’s job is not an easy one. Rangers may experience hardships and challenges few of us can begin to fathom. How many of us know what it would be like to monitor poaching activities in dangerous big five country for days on end, with only the bare essentials to survive on; or assist at the scene of an accident or suicide; or fight a fire in inaccessible areas for hours at end ; or confront poachers after watching a rhino, and/or fauna and flora, abalone and rare plant species being poached?
This work requires exceptional inner strength, courage and motivation. Despite being real life heroes, field rangers are human beings too. They may feel cold, hungry, tired, scared, lonely and doubtful at times. The extreme difficulty of their work can cause burn-out and stress, often with traumatic consequences – but a ranger who is healthy in body, mind and spirit is better equipped to protect life, limb and wildlife.
Our Mandate
To support the well-being of our rangers, SANParks approached the SANParks Honorary Rangers (SHR) to assist them to “Embrace” the rangers. This partnership is proving to be a perfect match – the SHR has the members, the skills, the passion and the commitment to get involved and make a difference.
The mandate of Embrace is to present a Pro-active, Preventative Trauma & Stress Management Programme to field rangers and their family members.
Members of the SANParks Honorary Rangers who have Qualifications in human sciences and proven experience in trauma work, form core teams to facilitate this process.
Teams are currently providing these services in a number of our National Parks. The goal is to visit each park three to four times per year on an ongoing basis. SANParks requests us at intervals to expand Embrace to more Parks from time to time.
The Scope
Ranger Embrace is intended to complement Ranger Wellness programmes. The programme is being implemented with a holistic, multi-pronged and disciplined approach to effectively address the needs of the rangers and their extended families at various levels.
Get in touch with:
Phill Strauss at phill@sanparksvolunteers.org or
Elize Smith embrace@sanparksvolunteers.org or
Magdaleen Snyman at msnyman99@gmail.com
