Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, the chief guest at this year’s Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony, said the names given to baby gorillas each year represent a wish for them to grow safely, reproduce, and thrive.
He said the annual event, which began in 2005, celebrates life while strengthening the shared responsibility of protecting the environment.
Over the past 20 years, 438 baby gorillas had been named, and with 22 more named this year, the total has reached 460.
Gorilla Naming Inspired by Rwandan Tradition
Dr. Nsengiyumva explained that Kwita Izina is inspired by Rwanda’s traditional culture, where naming a child brings together family and friends to welcome the newborn and commit to protecting them.
Similarly, naming gorillas represents a promise to protect them, preserve their habitat, and ensure they live healthy lives.
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Rwanda’s Gorilla Population Has Increased
The Prime Minister highlighted Rwanda’s conservation journey, noting that in the 1980s only about 250 mountain gorillas remained in Volcanoes National Park due to poaching, habitat loss, and conflict.
Today, the global mountain gorilla population is estimated at around 1,000, including about 600 in the Virunga Massif.
Conservation Success Driven by Collective Effort
The Prime Minister said the recovery of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas was not a result of luck but the work of dedicated conservationists, researchers, communities, government policies, and international partnerships.
He emphasized that protecting gorillas requires continued cooperation between different stakeholders to ensure their habitats remain safe and sustainable.
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Gorilla Tourism Supports Local Communities
Dr. Nsengiyumva added that conservation must go hand in hand with improving people’s lives.
Revenue from gorilla tourism has supported communities around the park through development projects, investment, and job creation.
He stressed that communities living near protected areas should also benefit from conservation so that environmental protection and human development can progress together.
$49 Million Project to Improve Livelihoods
As part of efforts to improve local livelihoods, the Prime Minister announced a new $49 million model village project launched recently.
The project will include 547 houses and other essential services aimed at improving living conditions for communities near Volcanoes National Park.
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Rwanda Renews Its Commitment to Gorilla Conservation
The Kwita Izina ceremony continues to demonstrate Rwanda’s commitment to protecting mountain gorillas while promoting sustainable tourism and improving the lives of surrounding communities.
The success achieved over the years shows how conservation, community participation and international cooperation can help protect endangered wildlife for future generations.
