Rwanda's gorilla conservation affirms need for robust wildlife policies

Gorilla naming ceremony in Rwanda will be on October 18, 2024. [Courtesy]

The success of conservation, which is a global endeavour, hinges on small meaningful actions within communities. These efforts are not always grand but are often rooted in cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations.

A prime example is Rwanda’s Kwita Izina, a gorilla naming ceremony that demonstrates how local customs can evolve into significant conservation practices.

As the Rwandan High Commissioner to Kenya, I have come to learn specific lessons about conservation in Kenya that resonate deeply with Rwanda’s own experiences. Kenya and Rwanda have conservation principles in common, underscoring our mutual commitment to preserving our natural heritage.

In the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda faced monumental challenges. The tragedy impacted not only the people of Rwanda but also its natural habitats and wildlife. Among the severely affected species were the country's mountain gorillas, then teetering on the brink of extinction.

As Rwanda embarked on a path to rebuild its nation, its government, formed in the wake of unimaginable human loss, recognised the critical need to include the protection of its natural heritage in its recovery efforts.

This led to the inception of ‘Kwita Izina’ (loosely translated as “naming”) in 2005. Inspired by a centuries-old tradition where Rwandan families gathered to name newborn children eight days post-birth, Rwanda decided to extend the ceremony to its beloved residents – the mountain gorillas – to promote their conservation and protection. This event was not just a naming ceremony but a societal celebration to integrate the child into the community.

When the Rwandan government began officially naming mountain gorillas, it formally declared the value of each gorilla to the Rwandan nation, and the importance of protecting both the gorillas and their habitat. Now, Kwita Izina has evolved into a global event that draws conservationists, celebrities, and policymakers from around the world to celebrate Rwanda’s dedication to preserving its biodiversity.

This year marks the 20^th anniversary of Kwita Izina, and its motto is "Conservation is Life". The ceremony also highlights the role of local communities, conservationists and park rangers who are at the forefront of the conservation battle. These individuals put their lives on the line to protect Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, and Kwita Izina celebrates their vital work.

Kwita Izina is an opportunity to educate the public and generate support for the resources these guardians need to continue their work effectively. Conservation researchers provide essential data to guide policy to protect wildlife, park rangers ensure the safety of the gorillas and visiting tourists, and local communities have a key role in preserving the biodiversity that characterizes their homeland.

Many of these efforts are powered by global investors and donors, and Kwita Izina also celebrates their commitment to conservation. Kwita Izina has had a transformative impact on gorilla conservation. The mountain gorilla population, marked as an endangered species in the 1980s with fewer than 250 individuals, has experienced a remarkable resurgence.

By 2010, the population grew to 480, reaching 604 by 2016, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. This significant recovery has led to the mountain gorilla being removed from the critically endangered species list.

Rwanda has ambitious plans to double down on the country’s commitment to conservation. The government has embarked on an exciting project to restore and expand Volcanoes National Park, which will continue to protect the gorillas living there while providing more space for other species to thrive. The project’s success hinges on global participation, and Rwanda is seeking support from around the world to make this project a reality.

As we celebrate two decades of successful conservation through Kwita Izina on October 18^th, our call to action is clear: the global community must support African wildlife conservation. Rwanda has demonstrated through this humble, yet powerful ceremony, that our wildlife is our family. By supporting such initiatives, we contribute to a global movement that values biodiversity as a cornerstone of our environmental, social, and economic well-being.

We invite the world to draw inspiration from Kwita Izina. To adopt and adapt Rwanda’s blueprint for local contexts. Whether through supporting global conservation efforts, engaging in community-based activities, or simply educating others about the importance of biodiversity, each of us has a role to play.

The future of our planet depends on these collective actions. Let's embrace the spirit of Kwita Izina and commit to a world where both nature and humanity can prosper together.

-The writer is Rwanda High Commissioner to Kenya and Permanent representative to UNEP and UN HABITAT