Communities in the vicinity of Akagera National Park are set to receive more than $800,000 (over Rwf990 million) through the park’s tourism revenue-sharing scheme.

As announced by the park’s management, the funds will play a crucial role in supporting community projects within the Nyagatare, Gatsibo, and Kayonza Districts. A committee composed of park management, local administration, and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) will convene to assess and select viable projects from a pool of more than 65 community proposals.

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Akagera National Park has been a contributor to local development since 2005, channeling $3.5 million (over Rwf4.3 billion) into over 200 projects that span infrastructure, beekeeping, fishery, agriculture, and more in the Akagera region.

The revenue-sharing scheme, initiated in 2005, serves a dual purpose: combating poaching within parks and enhancing the living conditions of neighboring communities by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities. Under the initiative, 10 percent of the annual tourism park revenues are allocated to the communities in close proximity, facilitating their development and prosperity.

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Since the inception of the revenue-sharing scheme, over Rwf10 billion has been invested in more than 1,000 community-based projects encompassing Akagera, Nyungwe, Volcanoes, and Gishwati-Mukura National Parks, according to RDB.