KWITA IZINA: A CELEBRATION AND PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

The Gorilla naming ceremony Kwita Izina has evolved into a key event on the national calendar. In a way, it is a celebration of the unique natural gift to Rwanda in the form of the rare mountain Gorilla. The benefits accruing from the existence of the primates in the northern part of the country are enormous. By introducing the Gorilla naming ceremony, the managers of Rwanda’s tourism made a single and very important step in efforts at conservation of this rare species. Indeed it was a visionary project that will help in the efforts at conservation for any more years to come. Moreover, it helps on focusing international attention onto mountain Gorillas that are classed among species that are on the verge of extinction. The regional conference on conservation that was held this week is yet again a great step in conservation efforts. This is so most importantly because the cause for the conservation of the primates is a regional one and no country can go it alone. This is because their natural habitat straddles three countries. Therefore, this calls for continuous concerted efforts by the three countries Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo. At the same time, Rwanda has through such events like Kwita Izina played a leading role in efforts towards conserving the endangered Gorillas. From such deliberate efforts, lessons can be drawn by the other countries in this effort. At the same time the conference that was held in a way also helps Rwanda to draw lessons from its neighbors in the same endeavor. Let’s embrace this beautiful culture and ensure that the future generations think it was a joke that the species was almost extinct. Let them find a thriving Mountain Gorilla community in Rwanda and the region. The onus is on us. Ends