Prince William has pledged to fight for better support for those who risk their lives to protect the world’s wildlife.
William was speaking at an event in Cape Town for his United for Wildlife organisation, set up by the Prince’s charitable foundation in 2014 to help protect endangered species from the illegal wildlife trade.
Passionately describing the day to day risks that wildlife rangers face he said: “Rangers are fundamental if we are to meet our global conservation targets for 2030 and prevent the dangerous tipping points that threaten our planet.
“These people do far more than protect wildlife. They are educators. They are community supporters. And they help regulate the sustainable use of natural resources.
“Yet, far too often, they lack sufficient support, with rangers in particular facing inadequate pay and protection.”
He added: “We cannot protect our planet without a well-supported workforce.”
It came as he announced a new life insurance policy set up by United for Wildlife, the Game Rangers Association of Africa and the Tusk Trust, specifically for rangers across Africa to give them and their families reassurance that they are protected for the dangerous job they do.
Often relatives of those who die are left with nothing. It is part of a five-year plan that will provide 10,000 rangers with access to insurance cover, as well as opportunities for training and leadership development.
Since he flew into Cape Town on Monday, he’s been spotted at engagements wearing a beaded bracelet with the word “papa” spelt out on it – the name his children call him.
His daughter Princess Charlotte is known to be keen on doing arts and crafts and is a fan of singer Taylor Swift, who encourages fans to swap homemade beaded bracelets.
She made the bracelet for the prince before the trip.
The prince has donned a beaded bracelet that says ‘papa’ while visiting South Africa. Pic: Reuters
In his speeches, William often talks about the importance of protecting the planet for future generations, and how since becoming a father, that sense of purpose has become even stronger.
On the second day of the week-long trip, the prince joined the thousands of tourists who take a trip up Signal Hill to see the spectacular views of Cape Town and Table Mountain every year.
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Described as one of the new seven natural wonders of the world, he joined rangers and conservationists in Table Mountain National Park to talk about the work they do balancing protecting the rich biodiversity and wildlife with the importance of tourism.
“What a stunning spot to meet you guys in. Look at this, it’s amazing,” William said, as he went on to ask about the specific effects of climate change.
Flash flooding, mudslides and an unprecedented level of forest fires have hit the park hard over the past year.
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William also stopped with another group that is directly involved in stopping poachers both on the mountainside and in the marine areas.
He could be overheard talking about how rangers don’t receive enough support for putting their lives on the line, with the families of those who are killed often feeling abandoned.
In an important diplomatic stop for the tour, he then went to meet South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, where they also discussed the ranger community.
William also discussed the ranger community with President Cyril Ramaphosa. Pic: Reuters
William was also joined by the UK’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who is in town for other UK/South Africa bilateral discussions.
It was a reminder of the increased statesmanlike responsibilities William now faces as heir to the throne.