$10M earmarked to protect Akagera Park

$10 million (approx. Rwf 5.5 billion) has been earmarked to protect Akagera National Park, located in the Eastern Province. The funds, which were contributed by African Parks Network (APN) and Rwanda Development Board (RDB) will be used to prevent encroachment, poaching and fire outbreaks among other dangers. “We are now trying to fulfil the necessary requirements for protecting the park, fire management, etc. Soon, an electrified fence will be erected,” said Charles Nsabimana, in charge of law enforcement in the park. According to Sarah Hall, the Tourism Development and Marketing Manager of Akagera Management Company (AMC), a company in charge of the management of the park, RDB contributed $ 2 million towards the construction of a 120 km electric fence along the western boundary, while $ 8 million has been contributed by African Parks Network. AMC is a joint venture between APN and RDB. APN will provide the management expertise in the conservation field, and along with its financial partners, will also provide capital investment and annual operating costs.On its part, RDB will make an annual contribution of $ 250,000 to the project and has seconded staff to the new company. The agreement between the two institutions will last for 20 years but may be extended with the consent of both parties. The African Parks Network is a private non-profit organization with experience in park management. Ends