Celebrating the unseen heroes defending our planet.

Last year, Prince William and The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife programme launched Guardians, a docuseries on BBC Earth’s YouTube channel. The six-part series immersed viewers in the unique worlds of rangers who risk everything, every day, to protect our planet. One year on, the work of rangers has never felt more urgent.  If we are to meet globally agreed conservation goals, 1.5 million more rangers are needed by 2030. Sadly, with rangers killed at a rate of nearly two per week, the threats they face remain.

Guardians set out to change how the world sees these people, and the myriad challenges they face on a daily basis. A year on, there have been material gains.

The Citizen Observers Network (ROC) in Mexico, who featured in episode three, say there has been more interest in their work since the series aired, expanding their work to new countries in Central America and with more communities knowing how to protect and monitor marine areas. They have also been able to secure a bigger vessel meaning the patrol troops can go longer and farther.

A roundtable at St James Palace in June 2025 convened a coalition of government and philanthropic donors, who collectively delivered a $1.8bn pledge at COP30 to support Indigenous Peoples and local communities safeguarding nature over the next 5 years.

In Rio de Janeiro, in November 2025, The Prince unveiled an ambitious new initiative, partnering with the Coordination of Indigenous Organisations of the Brazilian Amazon (COIAB), the Podáali Fund, Rainforest Foundation Norway (RFN) and Re: wild to strengthen Indigenous-led systems, as well as provide legal aid and emergency support.

The work of rangers has never felt more urgent and our commitment to protecting the protectors continues.

Chris Galliers, chair of the International Ranger Federation comments: “Rangers – as essential, on-the-ground planetary health professionals – play an indispensable role in securing and maintaining the health of our planet. Although often under-resourced and supported, their tireless work secures our natural and cultural heritage and the stability of global economies, proving that environmental protection is deeply interconnected with human survival.”

All episodes available on BBC Earth YouTube.

Modiki Claver Dzanga-Sangha, Central African Republic (Ep 1). Reformed poacher turned award-winning ranger, now protecting the forest elephants and gorillas he once hunted.

Kalzang Gurmet Spiti Valley, Indian Himalayas (Ep 2). Conservation Officer bridging tradition and progress, fostering coexistence between snow leopards and local communities.

José Luis Ceseña Calderon Sea of Cortez, Mexico (Ep 3). Former illegal fisherman of 35 years, now a patrol captain with the Citizen Observers Network (ROC), protecting what Cousteau called “the world’s aquarium.”

Cathy Dreyer, Felicia & Lucas Kruger National Park, South Africa (Ep 4). Head ranger Cathy leads anti-poaching operations; Felicia speaks to her ranger work and Lucas helps raise the orphaned rhino calves that poachers leave behind.

Chinthaka Pathirana and veterinary ranger teams Sri Lanka (Ep 5). Vets who rehabilitate elephants and leopards while patrolling and mitigating human-wildlife conflict.

Guerreiras da Floresta & Sonia Guajajara Caru Indigenous Land, Brazil (Ep 6). An all-women team of Forest Warriors defending ancestral land from illegal logging and poaching; Brazilian Indigenous leader and former minister Sonia Guajajara also featured.

Image credits: The Royal Foundation / ZANDLAND / Kensington Palace / PA