The Thin Green Line: Celebrating the world's rangers
You may have missed the fact that yesterday was World Ranger Day. A celebration of the men and women who devote their lives to protecting nature and the environment all across the world. I have a vested interest, as I volunteer with the East Lothian Countryside Rangers, and I can certainly vouch for the sterling work they do. Last night a film documenting the work of the world's rangers - The Thin Green Line was shown in over 50 countries. The film is the brainchild of Sean Willimore, a ranger from Warringine Park in Victoria, Australia. He sold his car and remortgaged his home three times in order to fund the documentary, so you could say it was a labour of love!
Sean wanted to show people just how much danger some rangers face on a daily basis from poachers and wild animals, not to mention the elements. He spent most of 2004 filming rangers from 6 continents and 19 countries, and saw volcanoes, charging elephants, mountain gorillas and attacks by rebel soldiers - all in a days work for some Park Rangers. He is proud to be part of a community of people who are often willing to put their lives on the line to protect nature and promote conservation.
The film is a non-profit making venture, with all proceeds being ploughed back into supporting Rangers on the frontline, including donations to the International Ranger Dependency Fund, which support families of rangers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Any excess money will be given to conservation projects.
If you weren't lucky enough to be invited to one of the global premiers of the documentary, you can order a copy of the DVD on the website.
