It is party day again at the foothills of the volcanoes and residents will get their Sunday-best out of storage dust off what remained of last year’s dust and step on the floor. The air is electrifying as people from all walks of life; from local farmers, and government and business leaders, to statesmen and celebrities mingle to celebrate the life of an endangered animal, the mountain gorilla. Like many other government policies and programs, Kwita Izina (to give a name) is rooted in traditional practices, where, on a chosen day, parents officially introduce the new baby to the public. There is a reason to celebrate because just 30 years ago, the numbers of the gorillas had dwindled to just 240, today they are more than four times the number because of concerted conservation efforts. Unlike many other tourist destinations of the continent, hunting animals for a trophy is illegal in Rwanda. On the other hand, visitors visiting the gorillas part with $1,500 to save their lives. Some of the key partners in the conservation venture are former poachers who are used as trackers and porters and they share in the proceeds. Ever since the practice of Kwita Izina began in 2005, over Rwf5.2 billion has been plowed back into park communities by Rwanda Development Board (RDB), through 647 grassroots projects. So as all roads lead to Musanze today, it should be fitting to reflect back and be thankful that we are saving a species where others are hunting them. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
