Workshops

• Catalin Josan (Rewilding Romania Foundation),
• Radu Popa (Natural Park Gradistea Muncelului-Cioclovina),
• Bogdan Sulica (FCC)

In this workshop, the participants will learn about the methods and practices for resolving human-wildlife coexistence conflicts, based on 3 case studies from Romania: (1) in the area of the biggest bison reintroduction project in Romania, Tarcu mountains; (2) in alpine grazing areas of Romanian Carpathians; (3) in the zones of rewilding and ecological restoration projects by Foundation Conservation Carpathia in Fagaras mountains. The interactive discussion about the use of electric fences, trained herding dogs, various ways to work and build sustainable relations with local communities, organising related education activities for children and adults plus other methods will follow after the presentation of the speakers.

• María Martínez Labiano (Central Environmental Coordinator & Ranger, Spain)

The aim of this workshop is to guide the participants in understanding the key functionalities of the SMART platform (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool), recognize its benefits in environmental management and conservation, and actively participate in building a practical case that allows to visualize the workflow and the potential of the tool. Within the available time, the goal is for attendees to gain a clear vision of how SMART can be integrated into their professional context, rather than achieving complete mastery of its use.

• Borja Díaz (Ranger of Biscay Province, Spain),
• Ingrid Guerrero Klein (Environmental Officer (Ranger) of the Regional Government of Andalusia, Spain; President of the Spanish Ranger Association)

This workshop explores the typology and behavioral patterns of individuals who poison wildlife or use toxic substances in natural areas. Participants will gain insights into offender motivations, risk factors, and behavioral indicators that can help in prevention and investigation. The session blends theoretical input with practical exercises drawn from real European case studies in order to profile different types of offenders, discuss prevention strategies, and develop quick action plans.

• Grant Miller (The Zoological Society of London, UK)

The workshop will focus on encouraging the Ranger community to talk about Mental Health – its conceptions, myths, different ways of understanding and practical approaches. The session will be interactive, with an open dialogue among participants who will be able to reflect on their level of mental health as professionals and to elaborate a first 3 actionable steps plan towards its improvement and analyzing the risks and challenges on this way.

• Birgit Gruber and Natalia Wrbka (Nationalpark Thayatal, Austria)

The workshop is based on a case study of rediscovery in Austria (in 2009) of the once presumed extinct or vanished European wildcat – which led to a big public awareness project that included the creation of a Wildcat Discovery Trail, lectures for hunters and stakeholders, etc. By using the wildcat as an example, participants will see how it can be transformed into an excellent symbol and starting point for Nature Interpretation — a deeper, meaningful engagement with nature that emphasizes emotional connection, insight, and the formation of values. After a brief presentation about the principles of Nature Interpretation, the participants will work in small groups to explore the biology, senses, and lifestyle of the wildcat using prepared materials. Then, participants will develop a Nature Interpretation programme on the topic of flagship species, targeted at a chosen audience (e. g. children, schools, adults, stakeholders, media).

• Lucia Cușnir (EcoEdu Natura, Romania),
• Alexandru Bulacu (Romanian Wilderness Society),
• Branko Vranesevich, Serbia

This workshop aims to empower rangers — whether experienced or new to youth programmes — with practical strategies for engaging young people as long-term ambassadors for nature. Through dynamic exchange, peer learning, and hands-on group activities, we will explore diverse approaches to Junior Ranger and Youth+ programmes that connect youth meaningfully to Protected Areas. Using the EUROPARC Toolkit and ERF Guidelines as a foundation, the workshop will focus on sharing field-tested practices, identifying barriers, and highlighting innovative and inclusive methods that work in different local contexts. The insights gathered during the workshop will be compiled and shared with all participants after the Congress, serving as a record of ideas, challenges, and opportunities discussed — supporting ongoing collaboration and capacity building across the ranger network.

• Ian Brooker (Countryside Management Association (CMA) UK),
• Maria Gurscaia (P.A. Environmental Voluntary Inspectors ‘Rangers’, Moldova)

The workshop focuses on several models of work with rangers-volunteers from local communities integrated for nature conservation purposes and for building communication bridges between protected areas and local/indigenous people. The first part will include the presentation of 2 case studies (from Dartmoor NP, UK and from the Republic of Moldova) which are supposed to give the participants a wider understanding of a range of possibilities to collaborate with volunteers in ranger work as part of PA strategies. The second, practical part of the workshop aims to give the participants a possibility to try these models (or invent the new ones) in an interactive role-play game.

• Mihai Zotta (Foundation Conservation Carpathia (FCC), Romania)

The workshop idea has in its core the phrase of Theodore Roosevelt which he wanted to be written on the north gate of the Yellowstone park: "For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People" – and what it could mean now from rangers' perspective and experiences in National Parks in Europe and the world. The workshop will be based on a discussion on how we should deal with this idea when National Parks are mostly the only places of world's biodiversity conservation nowadays – facing at the same time the growing flow of tourists, and how necessity to resolve this problem sometimes led to the appearance of IUCN Protected Areas categories. The workshop will include a presentation and an interactive part in order to involve everyone into this conversation which is important for rangers work worldwide.

• Mara Bulea & Tiberiu Chiricheș (Propark Foundation for Protected Areas, Romania)

This workshop aims to contribute to the objective of ”furthering the professional standards of Rangers throughout the world” as stated in the Statutes of the International Ranger Federation. The workshop will raise awareness about the complexity of rangers’ professionalization and will demonstrate how to use the Global Ranger Competence Register. Through interactive group work, participants will explore The Global Ranger Competences, turning it into a practical tool for both individual self-assessment and collective analysis. By marking their own skills on a competency matrix and then reflecting together in groups, they will gain a clearer picture of professional strengths and areas for growth. The workshop is designed not only to transfer knowledge but to spark collaboration, inspire reflection, and strengthen the identity of Rangers worldwide.