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Rwanda is expanding efforts to protect its growing mountain gorilla population by restoring about 3,740 hectares of habitat around Volcanoes National Park. The expansion aims to reduce pressure on limited territory and conflicts between gorillas and neighboring farmers, while creating new economic opportunities for local communities. Tourism has already transformed livelihoods around the park, providing jobs for guides, porters, farmers and other workers, including former poachers. Conservationists expect the expansion to increase gorilla numbers and community incomes, while strengthening Rwanda's tourism sector. The initiative comes as the country celebrates its annual Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony, highlighting both the success of mountain gorilla conservation and the challenge of creating space for a population that continues to grow.
Rwanda is expanding efforts to protect its growing mountain gorilla population by restoring about 3,740 hectares of habitat around Volcanoes National Park. The expansion aims to reduce pressure on limited territory and conflicts between gorillas and neighboring farmers, while creating new economic opportunities for local communities. Tourism has already transformed livelihoods around the park, providing jobs for guides, porters, farmers and other workers, including former poachers. Conservationists expect the expansion to increase gorilla numbers and community incomes, while strengthening Rwanda's tourism sector. The initiative comes as the country celebrates its annual Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony, highlighting both the success of mountain gorilla conservation and the challenge of creating space for a population that continues to grow.