How sustainable tourism helps protect mountain gorillas in Rwanda and strengthens communities

The relationship between conservation and development is often marked by tension. Rapid urbanization and economic growth frequently encroach upon ecosystems, while conservation efforts are sometimes perceived as obstacles to progress.

Nowhere is this more pronounced than in Africa, where the population is projected to surpass 1 billion by 2050, spurring massive infrastructure development. The critical question is: can we protect our ecosystems while building for the future?

Rwanda offers a compelling example of what is possible. According to a recent report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development, government-led initiatives increased the country's forest cover from 10.7% in 2010 to 30.4% in 2022, a remarkable achievement for a densely populated country that relies on agriculture for a quarter of its national income.

Even more striking is the resurgence of the endangered mountain gorilla population, which was once on the brink of extinction.

Central to this resurgence is Kwita Izina, Rwandaʼs annual gorilla-naming ceremony. This ceremony celebrates the birth of new mountain gorillas and has played a pivotal role in raising awareness for their conservation.

The event launched 20 years ago and has drawn attention to the importance of protecting these gentle giants, significantly contributing to their rise in numbers.

In the 1980s, fewer than 300 mountain gorillas in Rwanda remained in the Virunga mountains. Today, thanks to ongoing conservation efforts, that number exceeds 600.

In Rwanda, the successful rebounding of the mountain gorilla population is largely due to collaboration between public and private sector actors such as the Rwanda Development Board and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Established in the 1960s, the organization has worked tirelessly to safeguard mountain gorillas.

These partners work hand-in-hand with local communities to deliver community-centred conservation, where local people are incentivized to act as stewards of their natural environment by sharing in the proceeds generated by sustainable tourism.

More recently, the Fossey Fund partnered with MASS to build the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. This research centre opened in 2022 to local community members, tourists, scientists and students worldwide.

The campus has become a model for active conservation, supporting gorilla tourism, which contributes 1% of Rwanda's gross domestic product. During its development, it employed 2,400 construction workers and local craftspeople. To date, it has hosted more than 78,000 visitors and conducted over 120 trainings and conferences.

Over 320,000 native plants have been propagated on what was once an agricultural plot overtaken by invasive eucalyptus trees. This restored ecosystem is now home to over 50 species of birds.

In addition, the project predominantly used local materials for construction, furniture and fixtures, dramatically reducing the carbon emissions associated with projects of this scale. These choices show how architects and designers can shape sustainable futures by considering every aspect of a project – from the ground up.

The campus lies at the base of Volcanoes National Park, home to one of only two remaining populations of mountain gorillas. Over 30 years, sustained conservation efforts have helped increase gorilla numbers. However, these successes come with new challenges.

A growing gorilla population has led to increased interaction between gorilla families, triggering intergroup conflicts that often result in the death of young gorillas. As gorillas spread out, searching for more land, they are more likely to interact with local communities.

To tackle this issue, Rwanda has launched the Volcanoes Community Resilience Project. This ambitious initiative, backed by international partners like the World Bank, will expand Volcanoes National Park by 23%, creating more space for gorillas and reducing territorial conflicts. The project is expected to support an increase in gorilla numbers and reduce infant gorilla mortality.

Conservation efforts often involve difficult trade-offs. Expanding protected areas, such as Rwandaʼs Volcanoes National Park, necessitates resettling communities from reclaimed land. How can conservation initiatives provide meaningful benefits to these communities, enabling them to become stewards of the natural environment?

Rwanda’s Volcanoes Community Resilience Project addresses this by ensuring that the 3,400 resettled families will receive access to better housing, social infrastructure, and diversified livelihood opportunities. These include eco-tourism, conservation agriculture, and sustainable forestry, which will create an anticipated 17,000 new jobs and provide economic growth along the park boundary.

More than just an expansion, this initiative is about building stronger communities around the park. The 3,750 hectares of new parkland will be accompanied by a Conservation Development Plan that spans 13,200 hectares across four neighbouring districts designed to uplift communities with sustainable economic opportunities and improved living conditions.

Through the Tourism Revenue Sharing Programme, 10% of all national park revenues will continue to be reinvested in socio-economic projects that benefit these communities.

During the 20th anniversary of Kwita Izina, Rwanda will name 22 baby gorillas while recognizing the communities and partners that have contributed to this conservation success.

The country will also unveil an ambitious biodiversity and community-building initiative that exemplifies the power of collaboration between people and ecosystems. This initiative will showcase a model that can inspire similar efforts worldwide.