A Step Forward in the Professionalization of Nature Conservation

Propark – Foundation for Protected Areas is proud to announce the launch of the Ranger Program 2025, an accredited professional training course dedicated to those who wish to develop their competencies in the occupation of Ranger. Running from January to May 2025, this program responds to the growing need for specialization and standardization in the management of protected areas in Romania.

A Mission Dedicated to Nature and People

Propark’s mission is to support protected area administrations and conservation professionals in building the skills required to ensure the long-term protection of biodiversity. Through initiatives such as the Center of Excellence for Nature, we strive to raise standards in protected area management, strengthening both institutions and individuals to face today’s conservation challenges.

The launch of the Ranger Program 2025 is a natural extension of this mission: an officially recognized course that combines theoretical knowledge with practical training, designed to strengthen the professional competencies of rangers – essential actors in the conservation and effective management of protected areas.

Why Is This Program Important?

Nature conservation is a complex and ever-evolving field. In Romania, the role of rangers is increasingly critical: they safeguard protected areas, monitor biodiversity, manage visitors, and contribute to ecological education.

Yet until now, professional training for rangers has lacked consistent standardization and recognition.

The Ranger Program 2025 addresses this gap. Accredited by the Ministry of Labor and Social Justice and the Ministry of National Education, the program awards an officially recognized diploma, giving participants a strong professional advantage.

Program Structure

The training combines 120 hours of in-person learning with 78 hours of online learning, offering both flexibility and accessibility. The modules cover a comprehensive range of topics relevant to today’s ranger profession:

·       Biodiversity Conservation

·       Fieldwork and Monitoring

·       Visitor Management

·       Relevant Legislation

·       Nature Education & Interpretation

·       Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

·       First Aid and Emergency Response

The program also includes a one-week field practice, guided by experienced experts, ensuring immediate application of acquired skills.

Scholarships for Participants

To ensure accessibility, Propark offers a number of full scholarships to selected participants. This reflects our commitment to supporting the growth of conservation professionals by removing financial barriers and encouraging excellence.

How to Apply

·       Application deadline: December 20, 2024

·       Participant selection: based on application form responses, as well as professional and demographic criteria

·       Notification of selected participants: January 2, 2025

·       Program start: January 13, 2025

More details and the application form are available at: cen.propark.ro

A Commitment to the Future

The launch of the Ranger Program 2025 is more than a training course – it is an investment in the future of Romania’s protected areas. By training dedicated professionals, we are not only safeguarding biodiversity, but also strengthening a community capable of protecting and managing these vital spaces for generations to come.