The first draft curriculum for the study of ecosystem has been unveiled to strengthen the conservation and promotion of Rwanda’s nature tourism spots.

The diploma courses contained in the draft document were launched by the Office of Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN) on Thursday at Hotel Novotel Umubano in Kigali.

This programme guidebook outlines first details of two diploma courses which cover areas of wildlife management and environmental conservation studies. Kitabi Conservation Training Centre (KCTC) will host the courses.

Other key points include a new academic approach which will place a professional duty on public and private institutions to protect and promote ecosystem generosity.

According to the principal of KCTC, Jethro Odanga , the link between people and ecology is central in interesting  the public in ecosystem conservation.

"Those who will be trained will serve as a backbone for nature and the conservation strategy,” said Odanga. He added that the graduates will be responsible for marketing Rwanda’s scenic beauty.

Courses which focus on tourism management and promotion, forest conservation and utilisation of rare plants will also be introduced to cover the area of ecotourism.

"In the spirit of strengthening nature conservation, we have given all concerned authorities a new duty of furthering the conservation of wildlife,” said Prof. William Shivoga from Kenya.

Shivoga, who is the dean of Faculty of Environment and Resource Development at Egerton University in Kenya, called the ecosystem expertise development syllabus a major step forward.

 "We are relatively happy with where we are. We now have where to start in drawing the final guidelines for programme of study” he said.

The draft syllabus is still subject to thorough consultations with the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and environment and tourism stakeholders among others.
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