Thimphu, Bhutan
2nd Asian Ranger
Congress 2026
2 — 4 December
Organised by
Welcome
Welcome to the 2nd Asian Ranger Congress — a landmark gathering of Asia's rangers, conservationists, and organisations dedicated to protecting the natural world.
Hosted in the heart of the Himalayas, the 2nd ARC will be held in Thimphu, Bhutan — one of the world's most remarkable conservation success stories. A country where 69.71% of the land remains forested, where tiger populations are recovering, and where the harmony between people and nature is a national philosophy.
Join us from 2–4 December 2026 to share knowledge, forge partnerships, and strengthen the ranger community across Asia.
69.71%
Forest Cover
10+
Protected Areas
150+
Rangers Expected
20+
Asian Nations
Organised By
Ranger Federation of Asia
International Rangers Federation
Society of Bhutanese Foresters
In collaboration with partner agencies
Royal Government of Bhutan
Our Goals
What We Aim to Achieve
Five core objectives that will guide the 2nd Asian Ranger Congress.
Recognition Beyond Conservation
Advance recognition of rangers' contributions to climate resilience, community wellbeing, One Health, and sustainable development across Asia.
Amplifying Ranger Voices
Strengthen the collective voice of Asian rangers in regional and global policy forums, building on the Guwahati Declaration.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Promote a more inclusive ranger workforce, championing women rangers, Indigenous rangers, and rangers from local communities.
Ranger Recognition & Professional Standards
Enhance the professional standing of rangers across Asia, advocating for improved welfare, working conditions, and training.
Peer Learning & Asian Solutions
Foster peer-to-peer exchange of knowledge and best practices among rangers across Asia, celebrating Bhutan as an inspiration.
Congress Themes
Seven Themes. One Mission.
Moving beyond discussion to focus on concrete actions, solutions, and commitments across seven interconnected themes.
Theme 1
Ranger Role & Recognition
Theme 2
Rangers for 30×30
Theme 3
Rangers as First Responders
Theme 4
Inclusive Workforce
Theme 5
Ranger Welfare, Advocacy & Partnerships
Theme 6
One Health
Theme 7
Innovative Financing for Rangers
Field Visits
Ranger-Led Field Visits
Explore Bhutan's most remarkable conservation sites in and around Thimphu.
Lamperi Recreational Park
A beautiful forest park on the outskirts of Thimphu, Lamperi offers scenic forest trails, rich biodiversity, and a tranquil natural setting that showcases Bhutan's forest conservation at its best.
Takin Preserve, Motithang
Home to Bhutan's national animal, the Takin — a remarkable and rare bovid found only in the Eastern Himalayas. This mini-preserve in the hills above Thimphu offers visitors a chance to see these iconic animals up close while learning about conservation efforts to protect them.
Gidakom Forest Management Unit
An opportunity to interact directly with Bhutanese rangers and learn about sustainable forest management practices in action. This visit will highlight the day-to-day work of frontline rangers and the systems that have made Bhutan's forest conservation a global model.
EOI Closed
Expression of Interest
The Expression of Interest period has closed. EOIs already submitted will be reviewed, and selected participants will receive the confirmation and payment link directly.
REGISTRATION FEE: USD 450 per participant
Thimphu, Bhutan · 2 — 4 December 2026