The Prince of Wales has announced new life insurance cover that could be a game-changer for rangers safeguarding Africa’s wildlife.

William described the workers as “guardians of our planet’s most precious resources” as he outlined the five-year Ranger Standards and Wellbeing Initiative, which will provide access to the financial scheme to 10,000 rangers working across Africa.

Delivering the keynote speech at the start of a two-day summit of his organization United for Wildlife, which fights illegal animal trafficking, the prince said: “Rangers are essential if we are to meet our global conservation goals for 2030 and Prevent the dangerous tipping points that threaten our planet.

“These people do much more than protect wildlife. They are educators. They are supporters of the community. And they help regulate the sustainable use of natural resources.”

The number of deaths among rangers was significant during the period from June 2023 to May 2024: 140 lost their lives from a variety of factors, from animal attacks and work accidents to attacks by poachers.

Before William spoke at the conference in Cape Town, his team informed him of the death announced by the Uganda Wildlife Authority of soldier Olara Jonathan, who was shot dead on Monday during an encounter with armed poachers while patrolled within the Karenga community. Wildlife Area.

The prince told delegates that fewer than 300,000 rangers were working worldwide, but estimates suggested five times that number was needed to “meet our conservation commitments”.

He added: “That is why I am proud to announce that United for Wildlife, in collaboration with the Game Rangers Association of Africa and the Tusk Trust, is launching a new life insurance product designed specifically for rangers across Africa.

“This initiative aims to ensure that rangers receive much-needed life insurance coverage, giving them and their families the assurance that they are protected for the dangerous work they do.

“It will be led by those who protect nature, for those who protect nature, with a focus on establishing best practice.”

Life insurance cover will be subsidized for rangers by William’s Royal Foundation and the initiative has been spearheaded by African rangers working on the frontline.

United for Wildlife is also supporting two new leadership programs for rangers in South Africa that will help with their development.

William is halfway through a four-day visit to South Africa to promote his environmental Earthshot Prize, which will hold its annual awards ceremony in Cape Town on Wednesday, and to advocate for young African environmentalists.

The future king is the royal patron of the Africa-based wildlife charity Tusk Trust, and in 2022 paid tribute to “committed and brave” ranger Anton Mzimba, who was shot dead outside his home that year.

In his speech, he mentioned Mr Mzimba, who was head of ranger services at the Timbavati private game reserve in northeastern South Africa, near the Kruger National Park.