MenuThe Thin Green Line Foundation
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Every day, Park Rangers risk their lives to protect wildlife and wild places from poaching and other threats. Sadly, it’s estimated that over 1,000 park rangers have been killed in the line of duty over the past 10 years – a large percentage of these are due to commercial poachers and armed militia groups. Park Rangers are generally under-equipped, underpaid, and often under-appreciated. We think they are heroes. And we work tirelessly to provide them with the support they need to continue to protect threatened species around the world.
The Thin Green Line Foundation was founded by award-winning Ranger, conservationist, documentary filmmaker, Sean Willmore.
In 2004, Sean set off around the world to make a documentary about the stories and plight of his fellow Rangers. Taking almost 12 months to travel through 23 countries, he uncovered many inspiring stories along the way.
The Thin Green Line documentary premiered in 2007, capturing people’s hearts in over 50 countries. The documentary became the catalyst for Sean to set up The Thin Green Line Foundation, to support Park Rangers in danger.
Mission Statement
Protecting Nature’s Protectors - The Thin Green Line Foundation Protects Nature’s Protectors by providing vital support to park rangers, their families and communities who are the front-line of conservation. We work predominantly in developing nations and conflict zones, and with Indigenous park rangers.
Program Details
The Thin Green Line Focuses on four pillars of programming:
- Training Rangers. Provision of critical training that will help save wildlife and ranger lives. LEAD ranger is our train-the-trainer program that has been highly successful
- Equipping Rangers. Provision of essential equipment that will allow Rangers to function in challenging and remote environments. Everything from mosquito nets, water purification, uniforms, wet weather gear, communications equipment and even soccer balls!
- Supporting Families of Fallen Rangers. Often these families are left destitute when a ranger is killed in the line of duty. We provide a grant to keep their children in school and help the widow with a small business enterprise or with career training, suited to the needs and desires of the family to provide a sustainable livelihood
- Engaging and Connecting Rangers. Provision of meaningful Ranger exchanges and skill-based workshops and meetings, allowing Rangers to share successes, challenges and solutions for their conservation mission, boosting morale and impact on the ground.
TGLF focuses its work in Africa, Asia and Latin America and with Indigenous Rangers in Australia and across the world.
