Rwanda is intensifying efforts to protect its increasing population of mountain gorillas by restoring approximately 3,740 hectares of habitat around Volcanoes National Park.
The goal of this expansion is to reduce pressure on the limited territory and decrease conflicts between gorillas and neighboring farmers. Furthermore, this initiative aims to create new economic opportunities for local residents.
Tourism has already had a significant impact on livelihoods in the park's vicinity, providing employment for guides, porters, farmers, and other workers, including former poachers. Environmentalists expect that the expansion will lead to an increase in gorilla numbers and community income while strengthening Rwanda's tourism sector.
This measure is being taken against the backdrop of the annual naming ceremony for the gorillas, Kwita Izina, which highlights both the successes in conserving mountain gorillas and the challenge of providing space for the continuously growing population.