The next Kwita Izina-baby gorilla naming ceremony is around the corner. Preparations for the event and activities leading up to the function have started in earnest. This event has become an important occasion on the national calendar.

It is an illustration of the importance attached to the rare mountain gorillas in our tourism sector and more so, the central role tourism plays as a foreign exchange earner.

The annual ceremony to be held at Kinigi in Musanze District will see 22 baby gorillas named, Including  a set of twin gorillas. Over time, the gorilla population has increased according to Rwanda Development Board records.

This is attributed to conservation efforts by various stakeholders in the sector who have done a commendable job. The importance of conserving mountain gorillas cannot be over emphasized.

They are rare and without concerted efforts, they would face extinction.

It is important that everyone involved in these efforts stays the course. Thus the theme: "Community development for sustained conservation.” for this year’s Kwita Izina is most appropriate.

Focusing on community development is a way of involving the population around the Virunga Park in conservation efforts.

The community is vital for the success of conservation efforts as development activities will help to refocus human activity away from the park and ensure an end to poaching and encroachment on the gorilla habitat.

Ends