Over the years, the government has put in concerted efforts in the conservation of mountain gorillas, a species once critically endangered but now showing a remarkable resurgence. This has been achieved through combined efforts of the government, conservation stakeholders, and, crucially, the communities around Volcanoes National Park, according to experts. While all other great ape species throughout Africa and the rest of the world are decreasing in number and despite the gorillas’ relatively slow reproduction rate, mountain gorillas’ global numbers are on the rise. The once critically endangered mountain gorillas in 1996, have risen slightly above 1,000 living in the wild today, which improved their status to endangered in 2018. ALSO READ: Treating mountain gorillas: The story of Dr. Julius Nziza Globally, they live in a network of parks crossing the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC. Wellard Makambo, Director of the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP), said that three decades of innovative and adaptive approaches to support mountain gorilla conservation at the population and transboundary landscape levels has yielded tangible results. “Mountain gorilla numbers have been rising steadily over the past two decades. Thanks to science-based conservation actions and innovative approaches, they now number over 1,000 from less than 600 three decades ago.” According to the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), as much as Africa grapples with the choice between economic development and biodiversity conservation, Rwanda has pursued an innovative national vision that blends conservation, tourism, green development, and land-use planning. Basically the country's approach to gorilla conservation is integrated with community involvement, where local communities work closely to ensure the protection and sustainable management of gorilla habitats. ALSO READ: A day with Elisabeth Nyirakaragire, the first Rwandan vet for mountain gorillas To mark World Gorilla Day on September 24, Kaddu Sebunya, CEO of African Wildlife Foundation, said: “We celebrate the incredible conservation success stories across Africa. From the resurgence of mountain gorillas to efforts that protect gorilla populations in regions like Rwanda, Uganda, and Cameroon, we are witnessing the profound impact of dedicated conservation.” With mountain gorillas being a major tourism revenue generator for Rwanda, the government allocates 10 percent of total tourism revenue to community projects surrounding the national parks, enhancing local livelihoods and further promoting conservation. “Over the past 19 years, more than 1,000 community development projects worth more than Rwf10 billion (approximately US$7,782,446) have been funded from tourism revenue. These projects include health centers, schools, business development centers, and water supply systems,” according to Rwanda Development Board data. Kwita Izina Held annually at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, Musanze District, Rwanda will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Kwita Izina. The event is a gorilla naming ceremony which attracts different dignitaries, sports legends, international creative industry players, industry captains, and conservationists, alongside thousands of people from communities living around the park. The celebration is slated for October 18. During last year’s ceremony, it was announced that all namers throughout the past 19 years will be invited back at the 20th Kwita Izina ceremony, marking a two-decade journey of protecting Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. The First Lady Jeannette Kagame is expected to be the Patron of the 20th naming ceremony. She named twin baby gorillas at the very first ceremony 19 years ago. The country embarked on a journey to restore and expand Volcanoes National Park with an aim to improve the habitats for gorillas and other wildlife, ensuring their protection for future generations. Faced with limited space that gorillas and people must share, the government of Rwanda partnered with AWF to develop a master plan for the region, which entails the support for Rwanda’s green economy and defines land use and investment. This is crucial in creating long-term resiliency and opportunity for people living around Volcanoes National Park—while ensuring the park has enough space to support the growing gorilla population. Patrick Nsabimana, AWF Rwanda Program Manager and Acting Country Director, says community-led conservation approach drives the strategy, paying off for both people and wildlife in Volcanoes National Park and the surrounding communities. “We hope to create a replicable national model that demonstrates how conservation and development can be mutually reinforcing. This could have far-reaching implications not just for Rwanda but for other countries facing similar challenges.” One of the greatest needs is for diversified, sustainable income sources, he said, adding that engaging community members resulted in a comprehensive Livelihood Improvement Plan that introduces 17 new livelihood options designed to grow the economy around climate-resilient and conservation compatible activities. Mukecuru’s death Unfortunately, on May 27, 2023, Mukecuru, one of Rwanda’s oldest mountain gorillas that conservationists have ever observed, died. As announced by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, she may have been as old as 43, which would be the oldest mountain gorilla ever recorded. Mukecuru was first seen by the fund's trackers when she was already an adult, in 1995. They estimated her to be about 15 years old at the time, though it is possible she was as young as 10.
