Government has not introduced taxes for companies using mountain gorilla images for marketing purposes as recent media reports had claimed.

Recently reports in the media indicate that the Office of Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN) had introduced taxes to companies using mountain gorilla images for marketing purposes in order to finance the protection of this endangered animal species.

A statement from ORTPN read, "OTPN would like to strongly disassociate itself with the recent unfounded reports by the media which stated that Rwandan companies using the country's famous mountain gorillas' image for marketing purposes will have to pay a tax with effect from 2008.”

They also said that there was no occasion Fidele Ruzigandekwe, Director of Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Agency, had an interview with news agencies where he was misquoted.

There are an estimated 720 surviving mountain gorillas in the world. They live in national parks straddling the borders between Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Ruzigandekwe was quoted to have said, "We are launching this campaign to generate income earmarked for the species’ protection.”

He allegedly added that from now on, any company using the gorilla images for advertising or any other commercial purpose will have to pay a tax to finance the Volcanos Park and specifically the gorilla conservation programme.

The reports also said that a new law is to come into force beginning 2008, where officials hope that annual revenue from tourism will triple in coming years to top $100 million by 2010.

Ruzigandekwe reiterated, "Considering the ORTPN priorities for 2008, we have never planned to introduce the tax on companies and individuals using the gorilla for publicity as was stated in the media report.” 

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