12 Jan 2018

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda Expands Gorilla Habitat

VNP handover ceremony_Prosper Craig Chris .jpg

Wilderness Safaris is proud to be part of an emerging partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) to expand the Volcanoes National Park and to increase the habitat for Critically Endangered mountain gorillas by 27.8 hectares.

As part of the official handover, which took place at the Park on 10 January 2018, 50 hagenia seedlings from the indigenous tree nursery at Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge were planted by a number of dignitaries to symbolise the beginning of the reforestation project. “As Wilderness Safaris and Bisate move forward with the reforestation of the land we are thrilled to imagine the future possibilities for mountain gorillas (and other biodiversity), as well as local communities”, commented Chris Roche, Wilderness Safaris Chief Marketing Officer.

Volcanoes National Park, managed by RDB, represents a remarkable story of recovery for Critically Endangered mountain gorillas, with the Park receiving strong support from government. “AWF has worked in Rwanda on mountain gorilla conservation for over two decades. Rwanda’s commitment to wildlife conservation is extraordinary and should be replicated across Africa”, said Kaddu Sebunya, AWF President. Speaking at the event, HE former President of Tanzania, Benjamin Mkapa, concurred, citing that "As Africans we should be proud of our wildlife and wild lands; and Rwanda continues to set itself apart in conservation”.  

In the closing address, Minister of Trade and Industry, Vincent Munyeshyaka, reported on the importance of conservation in Rwanda, stating that in 2016 alone, gorilla tourism generated US$16.1 million dollars in revenues, 5% of which was shared with the community. This year, communities will get 10% of all tourism revenues following a Cabinet decision to double the share of revenues allocated to people living around parks in a bid to improve their living standards. He ended by emphasising that “Conservation is life; let us undertake it for life".