Prime MinisterDr. Justin Nsengiyumvajoined high-level leaders includingMozambican President Daniel Chapoand other distinguished guests at an event held at theAndrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C., where he reaffirmed that Rwanda’s commitment to protecting biodiversity is rooted in the pursuit of peace and sustainable prosperity.
Addressing over 200 participants including members of the U.S. Congress, government officials, business leaders, and environmental advocates, Dr. Nsengiyumva emphasized that Rwanda’s environmental protection efforts are central to its development agenda, ensuring that natural ecosystems continue to support citizens’ livelihoods.
He noted that Rwanda’s success in wildlife conservation demonstrates how environmental protection can foster peace and economic growth across Africa. He added that the country has prioritized environmental sustainability for more than three decades as part of its national development strategy.
Highlighting Rwanda’s flagship conservation initiatives, Dr. Nsengiyumva mentioned the “Kwita Izina” gorilla naming ceremony an annual event introduced 20 years ago that has become a symbol of community-driven conservation.
“There was a time when mountain gorillas were on the brink of extinction,” he said. “Today, thanks to conservation efforts, their population has surpassed1,000, quadrupling from what it once was.”
He also spoke about the transformation of Akagera National Park, which was revitalized through a partnership between the Government of Rwanda and African Parks. Over the past 15 years, the park’s wildlife population has doubled, and it now operates self-sustainably.
Lions were reintroduced in 2015 after disappearing during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, followed by the reintroduction of both black and white rhinos, including one of the world’s oldest white rhinos, flown in as part of conservation efforts.
Dr. Nsengiyumva credited these achievements to community participation, saying: “The people living near our parks are the first line of defense for Rwanda’s wildlife. We ensure they benefit directly from conservation activities.”
He reaffirmed Rwanda’s leadership role in environmental governance in Africa, recalling the “Kigali Call to Action for People and Nature”, adopted by African leaders in 2022. The initiative led to new collaborations such as the Africa Keystone Protected Area Partnership, which integrates conservation with innovation, research, and advanced technology for wildlife monitoring.
Addressing regional security, Dr. Nsengiyumva stressed that African parks must never be exploited by terrorist or criminal groups to destabilize peace.
He thanked the United States, particularly President Donald Trump, for his leadership in promoting regional peace and applauded the Washington Peace Accords, which include provisions for cooperation between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in tourism and conservation.
He also welcomed the creation of the U.S. Foundation for International Conservation, saying it would strengthen lasting peace through opportunities for sustainable development.
Dr. Nsengiyumva expressed special appreciation to Rob Walton, a renowned conservation philanthropist, for his contribution to establishing the African Conservation Academy in Akagera National Park an institution dedicated to training regional experts in environmental conservation.
He concluded: “Today’s event reminds us that when we work together, we can build a better future for our children and for our planet.”
