Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Justin Nsengiyumva, has called for the protection of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains to go hand in hand with improving the livelihoods of communities living around Volcanoes National Park.
He made the remarks on Friday, September 4, 2026, during the 21st Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony held in Kinigi, Musanze District. Nsengiyumva said Kwita Izina is more than a celebration, describing the tradition of giving names to gorillas as a commitment to protect and care for them.
Over the past 20 years, 438 gorillas have been named, while 22 more were given names during this year’s ceremony, bringing the total to 460 named gorillas. he said: “A name for us is more than just a celebration. It is a promise.” He explained that the promise means ensuring the gorillas have protection, safe habitats and the conditions they need to grow, reproduce and survive.
ALSO READ: https://agaciropress.com/president-kagame-holds-discussions-with-rdb-board-of-directors/
Gorilla Population Has Increased
The Prime Minister said the progress made in gorilla conservation was achieved through years of effort and cooperation among different institutions and partners.
He recalled that in the early 1980s, only about 250 mountain gorillas remained in the Virunga Mountains, largely due to illegal hunting, habitat loss and regional conflicts. Today, there are more than 1,000 mountain gorillas worldwide, with more than 600 living in the Virunga Mountains.
ALSO READ: https://agaciropress.com/rwanda-army-provides-free-medical-services-to-2874-tanzanian-residents/
Conservation Requires Collective Effort
Nsengiyumva attributed the progress to the daily work of conservationists, veterinarians and researchers, as well as environmental policies, sustainable tourism and partnerships involving the government, communities, the private sector, environmental organisations and international partners.
He said the experience in gorilla conservation provides an important lesson in addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and sustainable development.
he said: “Protecting the environment cannot be separated from improving human well-being, just as national environmental protection activities cannot be separated from international cooperation.”
ALSO READ: https://agaciropress.com/more-than-50-of-rwandans-avoid-seeking-justice-because-of-high-costs/
Gorilla Tourism Benefits Communities
The Prime Minister said the benefits of gorilla conservation and tourism go beyond protecting the environment, noting that they also contribute to improving the livelihoods of communities living around Volcanoes National Park.
He said gorilla tourism has helped create jobs, support local businesses, attract investment and provide new development opportunities, particularly for young people.
ALSO READ: https://agaciropress.com/what-it-costs-parents-to-send-their-children-to-school-in-2026-27/
$49 Million Project to Support 547 Households
Nsengiyumva also highlighted the Smart Green Village project, launched a week before the Kwita Izina ceremony and valued at more than $49 million.
The project will support 547 households affected by the expansion of Volcanoes National Park by providing modern housing, basic services and opportunities for sustainable development. He said the initiative reflects the belief that environmental protection must go hand in hand with human development.
Renewed Commitment to Gorilla Conservation
Nsengiyumva stressed that protecting gorillas and the wider environment is a shared responsibility involving the government, citizens, conservationists, the private sector and international partners.
He called for continued efforts to protect gorilla habitats, invest in science and technology to address the effects of climate change and disease, and empower local communities to participate in conservation.
He said that as long as people continue to care for the environment and work together, Rwanda and its partners will continue to honour the promise made to the gorillas when they were given their names.
