World Ranger Day

Last month we celebrated World Ranger Day by rekindling an old relationship, and this month Bikes for the World delivers like only we can! After a six year hiatus BfW has a second container of bikes on the way to partner Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association thanks to the financial assistance of a generous donor. 

BfW initiated this donated bike program to RWCA's rangers with a container that arrived at a critical moment, right before the world shut down in 2020. RWCA was able to process the bikes and get them out that summer to their rangers working in the fields in an effort to save the endangered Grey Crowned Cranes. Since that time the number of Wildlife Rangers and Grey Crowned Cranes have increased exponentially. 

RWCA continued to receive bikes donated through another organization while BfW focused on helping our other partners recover from the challenges presented through worldwide covid shut downs. Fast forward to 2026, we are experiencing more challenges through international shipping especially to this area of the world, but through a joint effort we are thrilled to deliver another container of bikes AND sewing machines to this partner. 

RWCA uses 75 rangers, one third women, to patrol and protect the  Rugezi Marsh, one of Rwanda's most important wetlands.  Recruited from the surrounding communities, these rangers know every corner of the marsh and every challenge it faces. Every day, they walk (or ride!) long distances patrolling the marsh, to monitor Endangered Grey Crowned Cranes, stop illegal activities, and educate and work with local communities to protect this vital ecosystem.

In a 2017 census, less than 500 Grey Crowned Cranes were counted in Rwanda. That number is now over 1,200! Additionally, RWCA created over 9,500 conservation jobs over the last 10 years,  including Community Rangers and Conservation Champions, social enterprises, and temporary jobs. 354 hectares of wetlands and forests have been restored- protecting ecosystems, wildlife, and people. Through that effort, RWCA directly planted 240,076 trees.

We are proud to come together with RWCA to help provide transportation tools to make these jobs easier to complete. Through the sale of our donated bikes, RWCA will also be able to put funds into their conservation projects and efforts to make the world a better place to live for everyone. Take a look at their 2025 Annual Report where they look back over a decade of conservation work.