The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has announced that over the past 19 years, “Kwita Izina” gorilla naming ceremony has resulted in the creation of 1,108 community development projects, valued at more than 12 billion Rwandan Francs. These projects have been funded through revenues from tourism, specifically the conservation of mountain gorillas, and have been invested in critical areas such as healthcare, education, business development, and water access for local communities.
This was revealed during a press briefing held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, as part of preparations for the 20th anniversary of Kwita Izina, which will take place on October 18, 2024. During the event, 22 baby mountain gorillas will be named, with their names expected to be unveiled in the coming days.
In addition to the naming ceremony, a series of complementary events will take place, including exhibitions organized in collaboration with the private sector, a “Business of Conservation” conference scheduled for October 14-16, a Kwita Izina golf tournament on October 19, and a gala dinner featuring local and international artists.
Michaëlla Rugwizangoga, Chief Tourism Officer at RDB, emphasized the impact of the Kwita Izina initiative since its inception in 2005. “Ten percent of the revenue from all national parks is invested in community projects, ranging from building schools and hospitals to improving roads and water access,” she explained. She added that the support provided to local communities has raised awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation, particularly the protection of mountain gorillas and other wildlife species.
Michaëlla Rugwizangoga, Chief Tourism Officer at RDB
This year’s Kwita Izina will be a special celebration marking its 20th anniversary, with the event taking place in Kinigi, near Volcanoes National Park, which is home to the critically endangered mountain gorillas.
The Governor of the Northern Province, Maurice Mugabowagahunde, also highlighted the economic benefits brought by tourism to the region. “Since 2005, over 659 projects valued at more than 5.16 billion Rwandan Francs have been implemented, significantly boosting development in Musanze and surrounding districts,” he said. He noted that 50% of these projects have supported agriculture and livestock, while 35% have gone toward infrastructure development, including the construction of schools, health facilities, and clean water initiatives.
RDB reports that since the beginning of Kwita Izina, a total of 395 baby gorillas have been named. The ceremony continues to play a vital role in raising global awareness of Rwanda’s conservation efforts while simultaneously contributing to the country’s economic development through tourism.
In 2023 alone, Rwanda generated over 831 billion Rwandan Francs (approximately 620 million US dollars) from tourism, reflecting a 36% increase from the 500 million US dollars earned in 2022. The country also welcomed over 1.4 million tourists in 2023, many of whom came to experience its breathtaking landscapes and the renowned mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
