Environmentally friendly projects showcased

About 12 local and international organisations on Tuesday started a two-day exhibition to showcase different projects that promote green economy.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

About 12 local and international organisations on Tuesday started a two-day exhibition to showcase different projects that promote green economy. The exhibition is organised as part of this year’s gorilla naming ceremony (Kwita Izina) which is slated for June 16 at Kinigi, Musanze District under the theme "Sustainable tourism for a green economy.” This year's Kwita Izina will see 19 baby gorillas named for the 8th time since the annual event started in 2005. About 141 gorilla babies have been named since 2005. On display are various green economy technologies, energy efficient systems that are friendly to the environment, gorilla conservation mechanisms among others. Isidore Nzeyimana, an exhibitor from Tekutangije Ltd, a clean energy cooking stove making company, said his company was motivated by his zeal to conserve forests through reducing on the use of firewood. "The exhibition provides a platform for the public understand how they can fully participate in the conservation of the environment and promotion of green economy,” said Rica Rwigamba, the head of Tourism and Conservation at RDB. Rwigamba pointed out gorillas continue to contribute 90 per cent of the revenues generated from the national parks. She noted last year, gorillas only generated $9.6 million which was part of the $252 million revenues generated from the tourism industry. However this effective this month, the gorilla permits were increased by 50 percent to all categories, international, regional and Rwandans.