TELECOM HOUSE - Rwanda’s efforts to save mountain gorillas which last year generated $7m about Frw3.1bn have yielded $0.16m (approx Frw87.3m) portion to DR Congo.
The director general of Office of Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN), Chantal Rugamba said the allotment is part of revenue sharing policy by three countries housing mountain gorillas. Rugamba, who was among the key speakers at Sunday live TV and radio talk show at Telecom House, said the money is meant to promote conservation of gorilla habitats on Congo side ravaged by civil wars. "Some gorillas fled insecurity in Congo habitats, to Rwanda side. The revenue we generate from tourists who visit them, our DRC counterparts have a portion” she promised.

Her revelation about proceeds they have allocated to Congo comes in the wake of preparations for the fourth gorilla naming ceremony (Kwita Izina) slated for June, 21. The ceremony will take place in Musanze District, Northern Province and this year 20 baby gorillas will named.

"Let us give it real value in view of the fact that it aims at conserving the natural habitats of mountain gorillas” said the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Monique Nsanzabaganwa.

Kwita Izina will be preceded with the inauguration of 3 primary schools of Nyabitsindi, Mugarama and Nyangwe; include 3 of the ten water harvest tanks and 2 bridges.

Another major event is a conservation conference expected to act as a platform to review the conservation action in Rwanda’s protected areas.  Rugamba promised the conference will attract over 150 regional and international conservationists who will present their research findings on gorilla conservation.

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