The Prince of Wales says he is seeking to emulate the example of Sir David Attenborough’s iconic nature documentaries as he aims to shine a light on the important role rangers play in protecting our planet. Today, William is launching a new docuseries to “showcase, highlight and spotlight, the brilliant people, men and women, who are on the forefront and the front line of conservation around the world”.
Speaking at a screening of the new six-part series called Guardians, the heir said: “Rangers are particularly unknown, their stories unseen, they are the unsung heroes of the natural world. This is all about highlighting them, showcasing them and realising also how dangerous and how difficult this job is.”
The digital-first series launched by The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife will be released on BBC Earth’s YouTube and social channels today, with a gripping new episode launching each week.
Each six-to-10-minute episode offers exclusive access and first-hand accounts of the lives of rangers and nature protectors as they urgently work to conserve biodiversity and ecosystems.
From the snowy mountains of the Himalayas to the remote rainforests of Brazil, the series is filmed in some of the most breathtaking yet challenging locations that the Guardians call home, with each episode highlighting the pivotal role of these inspirational individuals.
William, who spearheaded the project and introduces each of the episodes, participated in a panel discussion earlier in the week about the docuseries alongside TV presenter Michaela Strachan and Rohit Singh, the Vice President of the International Rangers Federation, who advised William on the series.
Asked what he hoped the biggest takeaway for people watching the films, the prince said: “I think connection with local communities and the natural world.
“David Attenborough – big inspiration for me growing up. And being able to present wonderful parts of the world to many of us, lots of people who never get a chance to visit, and I hope this does the same sort of thing.
“It reminds people there are still wonderful parts of the world, and there is still hope, and they’re still amazing work being done.”
William, who has seen first-hand the critical work rangers undertake and the myriad threats they face daily, went on to say that he hopes the series will help people to understand, value and recognise the important work rangers do.
Agreeing, Michaela said: “It’s such a dangerous job because it is very often in a very hostile area that rangers have to work, and obviously they’re also incredibly underfunded.”
The panel said it was important for people to realise that rangers aren’t just about “guns and weapons”, as their role is so much more than that. They’re educators, researchers, biologists and first responders.
The six-part series immerses viewers in the unique worlds of the Guardians, whereby we encounter incredible individuals who make huge sacrifices to safeguard the planet’s most threatened environments.
The first episode follows the story of Dzangha-Sangha, a reformed poacher who now dedicates his life to protecting the wildlife he once hunted in the Central African Republic.
