Reflect. Realign. Rebuild. Celebrating World Ranger Day

For World Ranger Day, we are delighted to share this article from the National Trust of Fiji.

At INTO we recognise the vital work undertaken with enormous passion, as well as specialist expertise, immense care and exceptional team work, by rangers all over the world. Without them, our world would be much less biodiverse, nature-rich and beautiful. Thank you to rangers everywhere!

🏫 National Trust of Fiji – Annual Workshop 2025
📍 Pacific Communities University, Nasese
📅 7–11 July 2025

From the windswept dunes of Sigatoka to the lush forests of Wasali, the National Trust of Fiji team gathered in Suva for our Annual Workshop 2025 – a week of reflection, reconnection and renewal.

This year’s theme, ‘Reflect. Realign. Rebuild’, guided us through a transformative journey as we brought together rangers, site managers, junior officers and the head office team from across our protected sites:

🏖️ Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park
🪖 Momi Battery Historical Park
🏘️ Levuka Community Centre
🌳 Wasali Rainforest Reserve
🦇 Nakanacagi Bat Sanctuary
🦎 Yadua Taba Iguana Sanctuary
🏢 National Trust HQ

We began by looking inward – examining our current systems, celebrating our achievements, and listening to the voices of those who work on the ground. Rangers shared stories from the field, highlighting successes and challenges in protecting Fiji’s natural and cultural heritage.

 

We revisited our mission and values, ensuring that our programs – from biodiversity conservation to cultural preservation – are aligned with national priorities and global conversations. We focused on inclusivity, indigenous knowledge, and community engagement, reaffirming our commitment to public trust and accessibility.

We explored a new organisational structure designed to empower rangers and create clear pathways for growth. This flexible model breaks away from rigid systems and fosters innovation, collaboration, and leadership at all levels.

A major highlight was the collaborative development of our Annual Work Plan for 2025–2026, crafted with input from every team member. This ensures that our goals, resources, and partnerships are grounded in shared understanding and collective vision.

Led by Save the Children Fiji, this vital session equipped our staff with knowledge of child rights, protection laws, and safeguarding policies. As we expand our education programs into schools and communities, this training ensures we uphold a culture of safety and shared responsibility.

To close the week, our rangers and junior officers embarked on a thrilling rafting experience along the Upper Navua River with Rivers Fiji. For many, it was their first time – and the laughter, teamwork, and joy made it a perfect celebration of unity and spirit.

Meanwhile, our senior management team stayed back to consolidate insights and begin drafting the National Trust’s new 5-year Strategic Plan, ensuring our future is shaped by the voices of those who protect our heritage every day.

This heartfelt poem, written during the workshop, captures the essence of our journey:

From mountain trails to river bends,
We gathered here as colleagues and friends.
With hearts wide open, minds set free,
We shaped our path collectively.

We looked behind—and saw our roots run deep,
Through years of work, through climbs so steep.
We honored those who came before,
Their legacy we still restore.

We listened close, we shared our truth,
The seasoned ranger, and the youth.
In every voice, a spark was found,
A call to rise, to stand our ground.

We realigned with purpose clear,
To guard the lands we hold so dear.
To build a future bold and bright,
With every ranger as our light.

We planned, we dreamed, we trained with care,
For every child, we now prepare—
To keep them safe, to guide their way,
To build tomorrow from today.

And then we laughed, we rafted wide,
The river strong, the current’s guide.
A perfect close to days so full,
Of wisdom shared and spirits whole.

So now we part, but not alone,
For in our hearts, a fire is sown.
Empowered, proud, and standing tall,
We are the rangers—one and all.

To our chairman and council, our Director and our HQ team too,
Vinaka vakalevu for all you do.
To every ranger, who go near and who go far,
You are our strength, our guiding star.

Let’s go forth now, with heads held high,
Beneath the sun, beneath the sky.
To reflect, realign, and rebuild anew—
The Trust is strong, because of you.

Vinaka vakalevu to every team member, partner and supporter who made this workshop a success. Together, we continue to protect Fiji’s heritage with pride, purpose and passion.

Read more about our previous celebrations for #WorldRangerDay:

• World Ranger Day – from Mendips to Mediterranean
• World Ranger Day 2023