Cocos Marine Conservation Area Rangers Enhance Their Well-being with Faico’s “Quality of Life” Program
- Park rangers from the Cocos Marine Conservation Area now have new spaces and equipment to support their physical and emotional well-being.
- The initiative aims to strengthen the physical, mental, and social well-being of the personnel in the Cocos Marine Conservation Area, recognizing their essential role in protecting Cocos Island National Park and the Bicentennial Marine Management Area.
The “Ranger Quality of Life” program by Amigos Isla del Coco (Faico) has become a key initiative to improve the well-being of the personnel in the Coco Marine Conservation Area (ACMC). This program acknowledges the vital role rangers play in protecting one of the world’s most significant natural heritage sites: Cocos Island National Park (PNIC) and the Bicentennial Marine Management Area (AMMB).
Rangers are fundamental to the conservation of these areas. Beyond performing monitoring and enforcement tasks, they actively participate in ecological assessments, visitor services, and raising awareness about the importance of these protected areas.
Following the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO), which defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being—not merely the absence of disease—the program takes a holistic approach to addressing rangers’ needs. In addition to providing appropriate clothing, specialized equipment, and essential supplies for their duties in the Control and Protection, Natural and Cultural Resources, Sustainable Tourism, and Operations programs, the initiative also promotes access to recreational spaces and tools.
One of the program’s most recent achievements is the donation of gym and recreational equipment, a significant step toward enhancing the physical and emotional health of rangers.
Now, rangers have access to a foosball table, ping pong table, and board games, perfect for relaxation and social interaction. They also received exercise equipment, including a new volleyball net, weights, dumbbells, kettlebell sets, and battle ropes, encouraging regular physical activity.
Additionally, efforts are underway to create a dedicated space within PNIC for these recreational and exercise activities, a goal expected to be achieved in the medium term.
The overall goal of the “Ranger Quality of Life” program is to improve the quality of life of ACMC personnel by providing them with the necessary equipment and resources to maintain a balance between their physical, mental, and social well-being. This, in turn, strengthens their ability to continue their invaluable conservation work at Cocos Island National Park and its associated marine areas.
Through this program, the dedication and commitment of park rangers are recognized and valued, ensuring they have the right conditions to carry out their work while also taking care of their own well-being.
