On World Ranger Day of July 31, Leopards Beyond Borders, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Forest Police of Sulaymaniyah and with support from the PeLeWG, hosted the Ranger Award event to honor three exceptional individuals as leopard champions. The event celebrated their outstanding contributions to conservation by awarding them the prestigious Ranger Award, initiated by the PeLeWG in 2024. The General Director of Forest Police commended the initiative, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and supporting those who fight against illegal hunting and forest logging. He also reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to conservation efforts before personally presenting the award certificates to the deserving recipients.

The award recipients gave brief acceptance speeches in which they thanked the PeLeWG and Leopards Beyond Borders for their recognition, expressing that the award serves as a powerful reminder to continue their commitment to nature conservation and the protection of leopards and other wildlife. They also encouraged others to follow their footsteps.

Additionally, Leopards Beyond Borders presented the General Directorate with a camera-trap photo of the first female Persian leopard, captured by the award winners as a lasting reminder of their dedication to leopard protection.