Rwanda prepares for 20th Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony

The Rwandan government has announced a series of activities that will culminate in the 29th edition of the Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony on October 18, this year.

The key event will be held at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, Musanze District, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) announced in a press briefing.

Some of the delegates during the Kwita Izina press conference in Kigali on September 25, 2024. (Photo: Rwanda Govt)

The event is one of the most significant events on Rwanda's conservation and tourism calendar used to celebrate successful conservation efforts and acknowledge the incredible contributions made by local communities, conservation professionals, and partners from around the globe.

"We will be naming 22 baby gorillas, and we are excited to welcome past and new Namers from around the world, whose names will be revealed in the coming days," RDB Chief Tourism Officer, Michaella Rugwizangoga said.

Some of the delegates during the Kwita Izina press conference in Kigali on September 25, 2024. (Photo: Rwanda Govt)

Since its inception, the ceremony has named 395 baby mountain gorillas in Rwanda's broader effort to protect the country's wildlife and natural ecosystems.

"These efforts, alongside sustainable ecotourism, have helped Rwanda achieve remarkable growth in its tourism sector, which generated over USD 620 million in revenue from 1.4 million visitors in 2023. Gorilla tourism alone contributes 1 per cent of Rwanda's GDP and is a key driver of local community development," she noted adding that through the Tourism Revenue Sharing Programme, 10 per cent of all national park revenues are reinvested in socio-economic projects that benefit communities living near protected areas.

According to the government, a total of Rwf 12.86 billion has been used to fund 1,108 community projects, including schools, health centres, and dairy farms since 2005.

These initiatives have empowered communities to become guardians of conservation, protecting both the wildlife and the environment surrounding national parks such as Volcanoes, Akagera, Gishwati-Mukura, and Nyungwe.

In addition to the traditional naming ceremony, pop-up events will be organised in collaboration with the private sector, bringing celebrations to communities across the country.

Rwanda Development Board’s Chief Tourism Officer Michaella Rugwizangoga.

These events, the board said, aim to make the Kwita Izina festivities accessible to more Rwandans and visitors while further promoting conservation awareness.

Other events include the Business of Conservation Conference (October 14-16), the Kwita Izina Golf Tournament (October 19), and the Kwita Izina Gala Dinner, featuring performances from local and international artists.

"Kwita Izina has brought global recognition to Rwanda's conservation efforts. In the Northern Province, tourism has fuelled growth, benefiting communities and businesses, particularly in Musanze, Nyabihu, and Rubavu. This development includes the rise of luxury hotels and improved road infrastructure, driven by tourism revenues. Additionally, the Tourism Revenue Sharing Programme has funded over 659 community projects worth Rwf 5.16 billion since 2005," said Maurice Mugabowagahunde, the governor of the Northern Province.

On his part, the Director-General of the Rwanda Tourism Chamber, Yves Ngenzi, said Kwita Izina is a vital opportunity to connect Rwanda's tourism sector with the global market.

"Each year, this event has grown in significance, creating more avenues for the private sector to engage, whether through pop-up/side events, merchandise sales, or expanded business collaborations. The continued partnership between the private sector and conservation efforts has enhanced Rwanda's global tourism offering, while also fostering sustainable economic growth and empowering local communities," he said.