South Fly Rangers honoured on World Ranger Day for protecting communities and country
ON World Ranger Day, Australia recognised the important contribution of the South Fly Rangers to protecting communities, culture, and natural resources across Western Province.
Working throughout South Fly District, including the 14 Treaty villages recognised under the Torres Strait Treaty, the South Fly Rangers help communities respond to environmental challenges, strengthen local governance, and safeguard the natural and cultural heritage that sustains future generations.
These communities are covered by the Torres Strait Treaty, which allows traditional inhabitants of Papua New Guinea and Australia's Torres Strait Protected Zone to travel across the border for traditional activities without passports or visas.
This year's World Ranger Day theme, "Rangers: Guardians of a Changing Planet", reflects the growing challenges facing communities across South Fly. Flooding, prolonged dry seasons, food, and water insecurity, and increasing pressure on natural resources are becoming more common across the district.
Through the South Fly Ranger Programme, rangers help communities respond to these challenges by monitoring local conditions, reporting from remote areas, supporting safe marine access, and strengthening links with government services.
Their work includes conservation awareness and training, climate adaptation activities, seasonal calendar development in Buzi and Berr, Community Resource Management Plan awareness, food and water security assessments, fruit fly surveillance, fuel monitoring, market price tracking, and logistical support for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) activities, disability outreach, community grants, health services, government agencies and development partners.
The Buzi Seasonal Calendar is one example of this work in action. Developed with community members, it brings together generations of local knowledge on seasons, tides, winds, gardening, fishing, wildlife, and cultural practices. Combined with ranger-led monitoring and resource management planning, the calendar helps communities identify climate risks and take practical steps to strengthen food security, protect water resources, and safeguard livelihoods.
Through the PNG-Australia Partnership, Australia is proud to support the South Fly Ranger Programme as it helps communities build resilience, strengthen local governance, and protect the natural and cultural heritage that will sustain future generations.
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