NYAMAGABE – At least 37 former poachers from Kitabi and Winkindi sectors in Nyamagabe district have resolved to collaborate with the management of Nyungwe National Park to prevent poaching.

Through their "Flora and Fauna Association” they say that they took this decision after realizing the contribution of wild life to the country’s development.

"We formed an association with the aim of helping the tourism board protect Nyungwe forest because as former hunters we know where poachers pass and the sites where they lay their traps,” said Focus Nsengiyumva, the head of Flora and Fauna Association. 

They appealed for support to enable them to conduct sensitisation campaigns against illegal activities in the forest. 

Norbert Karigire, an official of the Nyungwe National Park, said that the park is ready to support all associations involved in environment management and tourism promotion.

"The association of former hunters and poachers is new. We recognise it and we are thinking about how to support it,” Karigire said.  

Karigire disclosed that the Tourism Board has already set aside Rwf17 million for park residents as part of the Revenue Sharing Program –which is part of the efforts to encourage residents to embrace tourism conservation.

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