2024 IRF Board Elections

Every three years, aligning with the IRF World Ranger Congress (WRC), the IRF elects a new Board. The IRF Board includes the Executive Members in the President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary, and one Regional Representatives for each of the seven IRF Regions.

Historically the nomination process has been conducted in the months leading up to the WRC, and the elections have been undertaken on the final day of the WRC.

For the 2024 IRF WRC this October, there will be some changes to the processes.

According to the long established IRF rules and the current IRF ByLawsonly Full Member Associations of the IRF can vote (refer to Section 11 for further information). The nomination and voting process is being undertaken in accordance with the IRF Bylaws

2019 9th IRF World Ranger Congress, new elected IRF Board.


Nomination Process

The nomination process for the IRF Board positions including the Executive Members in the President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary, and one Regional Representatives for each of the seven IRF Regions has CLOSED on the 20th August 2024.

Below are the candidates for the IRF Executive and Regional Representative positions (listed in order of receipt of nomination).


President Candidate

Name – Florin Halastauan- Vasile 

Region – Europe

Association – Romania Ranger Association

Please provide a 100 word (max) summary of what you would like to include in the voting process. 

Since IRF was founded, it has proven over time to be an organization that grows and is getting stronger with each member who joins the group, regardless of the hardships and difficulties we went through. Those who created the IRF had the confidence that the IRF is based on each one of us, ranger from, Africa, Europe, US, Australia, Oceania, South America, each ranger has his place and voice in this organization, we must go on like this, let’s continue to support each other! The ranger community has always found resources and ways to support each other. Thank you!


President Candidate

Name – Chris Galliers

Region – Africa

Association – Game Rangers Association of Africa

Please provide a 100 word (max) summary of what you would like to include in the voting process. 

I have been a professional member of the Game Rangers Association of Africa since 2008, where I was chair for 6 years. I was also elected as the Africa Representative for the International Ranger Federation (IRF) in 2012 and served on the IRF committee till 2019 where I became President. In addition to bringing continuity, I believe I have the global experience, network, passion, commitment, strategic vision and leadership needed to further develop the IRF as a professional sustainable organisation, that will deliver on the world’s rangers needs, and ensure that rangers are given their due recognition, respect and support. 


Vice President Candidate

Name – Borja Díaz

Region – Europe

Association – Asociacion Espanola de Agentes Forestales y Medioambientales (AEAFMA)

Please provide a 100 word (max) summary of what you would like to include in the voting process. 

I’m excited to run for Vice President of the IRF, driven by my commitment to support Rangers globally. With over twenty years of field experience, I understand the challenges Rangers face. My vision is to improve accessibility and balance international representation with regional voices within the IRF. I aim to bridge gaps, eliminate communication barriers, and create a transparent, inclusive, and supportive federation. As Vice President, I will prioritize the needs of field Rangers, work to address their concerns, and provide necessary training and support. While I can’t promise to resolve every issue, I am dedicated to fostering an inclusive IRF where every Ranger feels valued.


Vice President Candidate

Name – Rohit Singh

Region – Asia

Association – Ranger Federation of Asia

Please provide a 100 word (max) summary of what you would like to include in the voting process. 

I am Rohit Singh, a member of the Ranger Federation of Asia. I have been associated with the ranger work for 19 years. I have established the Ranger Federation of Asia- the first regional body of rangers in Asia and also promoted and supported the IRF in the Asia region as the elected Asia representative. Rangers are integral for global commitments on climate and biodiversity conservation and IRF is the only legitimate body that represents rangers. I will work with member associations that IRF is financial sustainable and the body for advocating and supporting rangers.


Treasurer Candidate

Name – Michael “Mike” Lynch

Region – North America

Association – California State Park Rangers Association (CSPRA)

Please provide a 100 word (max) summary of what you would like to include in the voting process. 

I have been serving as IRF Treasurer since the 2019 WRC in Nepal and I also serve on the Executive Committee. During this time, I have been very active in the transformation of the IRF from an informally organized group to the nonprofit charitable tax-exempt corporation it is today. I have initiated and now oversee the professional accounting and financial reporting now being done by the IRF. I have also served the last four years as chair of the World Ranger Day and Governance Working Groups. I hope to continue to contribute to the IRF in these roles.


Secretary Candidate

Name – Andrew “Andy” Davies

Region – Oceania

Association – Association of Rangers and Conservationists Victoria  (ARCV)

Please provide a 100 word (max) summary of what you would like to include in the voting process. 

My name is Andy Davies, and I am employed by Parks Victoria in Australia as the District Manager South Gippsland. I started as a Ranger in 1993 and have been in park management for over 30 years.

My experience includes:
• IRF Secretary since 2022
• IRF Company Secretary 2020 – 2023
• Chairperson – Northern Territory Ranger Association
• President – Association of Rangers and Conservationists Victoria
• Member – Council of Oceania Ranger Associations
• IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas
• IUCN Climate Crisis Commission

It has been a privilege to be part of the IRF Board, I am excited to continue to be part of the IRF if elected.


Secretary Candidate

Name – Jhon Brando Pereira Gomez

Region – South America 

Association – Asociación Civil Guardaparques De Venezuela

Please provide a 100 word (max) summary of what you would like to include in the voting process. 

Bueno compañero de aquí de Venezuela o anda parquillo en Pereira de esta gran función es el recuadro estará protegida y separarnos de nuestra familia pero hacemos con un gran amor y a pesar de todas las circunstancias que está pasando en nuestro país seguimos en el arduo resguardo de nuestro parque nacional espero que mi servicio como guardaparque y como secretario me gustaría crecer más en el conocimiento de la irf y crecer más dentro de ustedes me gustaría pertenecer a su equipo de trabajo, gracias .


Africa Regional Representative Candidate

Name – Mohammed Dikko Bala

Region – Africa

Association – Game Rangers Association of Africa – Nigeria

Please provide a 100 word (max) summary of what you would like to include in the voting process. 

As a dedicated conservationist with 22 years of tireless service, I am excited to run for the IRF Board. My extensive experience in zoology and conservation has equipped me to protect, conserve, and preserve protected areas and natural habitats. I will advocate for ranger visibility and support at the African regional level, engaging with ECOWAS and AU to amplify the critical work of rangers. I will champion IRF’s mission, ensuring rangers receive the recognition and resources they deserve. Through collaborative leadership and strategic decision-making, I aim to elevate IRF’s impact and secure a sustainable future for all.


Asia Regional Representative Candidate

Name – Hamera Aisha

Region – Asia

Association – Ranger Federation of Asian (RFA)

Please provide a 100 word (max) summary of what you would like to include in the voting process. 

I am Hamera, Secretary of the Ranger Federation of Asia. I have been associated with ranger communities since the beginning of my career starting from site level to national to now regional My experience includes field research and leading initiatives to strengthen ranger capacities and address issues they face. If elected, I would prioritize enhancing the outreach and adoption of IRF’s standards. I am deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the ranger workforce particularly for women, IP and LC rangers. Additionally, I would focus on integrating more ranger voices from Asia into IRF’s strategies and advocating for a more inclusive and diverse workforce. My goal is to elevate recognition and support for all rangers, ensuring their contributions are valued and that they receive the support they deserve at all policy levels.


Central America Regional Representative Candidate

Name – Christian Robles Puchi

Region – Central America

Association – Asociación Nacional de Guardaparques de Costa Rica Siglo XXI (ANAGUA) / Costa Rican Ranger Federetion Century XXI.

Please provide a 100 word (max) summary of what you would like to include in the voting process. 

I aim to contribute to the professionalization of Park Rangers by fostering closer relationships with ministers and governments. With my experience and assertive policies, I can motivate senior representatives and Park Ranger organizations to recognize conservation officers as silent heroes. These officers strive for better living conditions, reflecting their reality and culture, yet face similar political challenges regionally. I believe this can change, and we must act now as time is passing.


Europe Regional Representative Candidate

Name – Lars Scharfe

Region – Europe

Association – Bundesverband Naturwacht, Germany

Please provide a 100 word (max) summary of what you would like to include in the voting process. 

I currently work for the ERF as a volunteer. I experienced in Germany the unsecure working conditions for rangers myself. This was one of my main reasons to fight for a better image and better conditions for rangers in Europe and worldwide working for the ERF. Everyday I experience how big the task is because many people are not even aware that rangers exist and what they are doing and why to support them. Nonetheless I spent most of my free time to get more support for rangers!


Europe Regional Representative Candidate

Name – Urs Reif

Region – Europe

Association – European Ranger Association, German Ranger Association

Please provide a 100 word (max) summary of what you would like to include in the voting process. 

I feel that a trusting and living connection between IRF and all regions is fundamental. also the regional reps should be people that have some history in ranger associations, their establishment and how things are supposed to work
together. So some insight in Ranger history and also politics as well as insights in the global network of nature conservation is important. also a trusted relationship to IRF board is necessary. I think I can provide all of this. These
things ar especially important due to some of the conflicts and misunderstandings between IRF, the regions and national associations connected to the WRC planning for Azores as well as for France.


North America Regional Representative Candidate

Name – Mark Caughlan

Region – North America

Association – Park Law Enforcement Association

Please provide a 100 word (max) summary of what you would like to include in the voting process. 

With over 29 years of experience as park ranger and a leader in PLEA, I believe I would add valuable experience to the IRF. I have made significant contributions improving and building ranger programs and associations. I have  a true passion for the ranger profession and I look forward to using my experience and skills I gained to increase membership, networking, training and association participation in the North America Region. I truly believe I can make a significant positive impact to the IRF and proudly sere the international ranger community.


Oceania Regional Representative Candidate

Name – Amanda Dudgeon

Region – Oceania 

Association – Protected Area Workers Association (NSW, Australia)

Please provide a 100 word (max) summary of what you would like to include in the voting process. 

With over a decade of experience as a ranger across multiple parks agencies and ranger associations, I bring a deep commitment to fostering collaboration and support among Oceania’s rangers. My expedition across the region strengthened my resolve to enhance connectivity and shared learning, transcending cultural and geographical divides. In nominating to be the next IRF Representative for Oceania, I am dedicated to continuing the momentum from the Ranger Round Tables and ensuring that our unique region contributes meaningfully to shaping the future of the IRF, particularly in improving accessibility and inclusivity for all.


South America Regional Representative Candidate

Name – Werhner Atoche Montoya

Region – South America 

Association – Asociacion Para La Conservacion Y Manejo Sostenible Del Area De Conservacion Regional – Angostura Faical Asociacion De Guardaparques Del Peru

Please provide a 100 word (max) summary of what you would like to include in the voting process.

En el proceso de votación, propondría un sistema de votación inclusivo y transparente, que permita la participación efectiva de las asociaciones que cuenta con la membresía full (estatuto de la IRF), fortalecer la democracia interna de la IRF, y que las decisiones reflejen el consenso de la comunidad, fomentando así la confianza y la cooperación en la organización.


South America Regional Representative Candidate

Name – Augusto Efraín Granda Guamán

Region – South America 

Association – Asociación De Guardaparques Del Ecuador (AGE)

Please provide a 100 word (max) summary of what you would like to include in the voting process.

“Mi postulación se origina desde un proceso interno de la Federación Latinoamericana de Guardaparques, donde las
asociaciones miembros me seleccionan como candidato regional. Personalmente he recorrido el ser Guardaparque en diversos escenarios lo que ha permitido vivir la situación laboral de l@s Guardaparques y comprender los desafíos de la profesión, junto a participar en diversos eventos y procesos colectivos de Guardaparques a nivel nacional e internacional.
Mi plan de trabajo será principalmente en reducir las brechas laborales de l@s Guardaparques, mejorando la integración regional, profundizar la integración inter-regional y el reconocimiento de la profesión por la OIT.”


South America Regional Representative Candidate

Name –  Marcos Uzquiano

Region – South America 

Association – Asociacion Boliviana De Guardaparques

Please provide a 100 word (max) summary of what you would like to include in the voting process.

I would like to invite the Park Rangers of South America to give me an opportunity to know and support my postulation for making possible a change with more involvement and participating among our Rangers Associations to streng the connection with the International Ranger Federation, governments and people.
If you want to know a little bit about me please watch the trailer TIGRE GENTE  https://youtu.be/7cUeJrQVAOY   


New Electronic Voting Process

Voting for IRF Executive, Regional Representatives and Resolutions will now be completed electronically via Election Buddy, avoiding the need for lengthy manual elections on the last day of the World Ranger Congress.

Voting will open on the 1st October and will close on the 11th October during the WRC.

This will enable members to discuss their preferences and potentially hear from nominees during the WRC.

On the second day of the Congress, there will be regional meetings where this can be discussed if needed.

When it comes time to vote, there will be only one vote per FULL MEMBER for each of the IRF Executives and the relevant Regional Representative.

Please ensure that the IRF has the most current email address for the person who will be submitting the vote.

The voting process will be run independently from the current IRF Board members by the Election Committee Chairperson.

Successful nominations will be announced by the Election Committee Chairperson on the FINAL day of the IRF World Ranger Congress.