SUCCESS OF KWITA IZINA

In 2005, the Rwanda Tourism and National Parks office, responsible for the management of the national parks and the tourism promotion (ORTPN) embraced this century old tradition and launched publically the annual event of Gorilla Naming Ceremony. This is a public event aiming at celebrating annually the birth of gorillas that were born over the year in their natural habitat as well as efforts from everyone involved in gorilla preservation.
Currently known as Kwita Izina, this event has now become one of the key calendar events of Rwanda’s Tourism. It now attracts thousands of people, including numbers of special guests who come every year at the foot of the Virunga Mountains to witness the naming ceremony, and many centuries old tradition of Rwandan culture.

Success in gorilla’s growth and it’s conservation .

The mountain gorillas are some of the world’s most endangered species. Today less the 750 gorillas live in the misty wild of the Virunga ranges. The Gorilla Naming Ceremony is a conscious effort to celebrate conservation success. It is also an exciting way to raise awareness of the Gorillas and promote Rwanda as a ‘must see’ tourist destination. Since launching the event 65 baby gorillas have been named. This year 19 more baby gorillas will get a name.
Through the sensitization generated by the Kwita Izina event, many illegal activities such as poaching have been significantly reduced and we are now witnessing a growing numbers of former poachers being converted into partners for conservation.
Last year through Kwita Izina Event, communities were more involved in preparations. The night before the major event, there was a traditional celebration (IGITARAMO) which entailed different cultural dances, maize roasting, interaction with local communities, authorities and international guests. The turn up exceeded 1000 people.

Who has been involved?

H.E. President Paul Kagame and Mrs Kagame launched the event in 2005 by naming the first mountain twin gorillas ever survived in the world. Since then, exciting arrays of local and international figures and dignitaries have participated in this event. These have included Ambassadors accredited to Rwanda, local and international Conservation, Hollywood Star Natalie Portman, Business leaders and poachers turned protectors. Renowned American Conservationist Jack Hanna described the opportunity to name a gorilla as one of his most humbling experiences, well-known TV channels such as Animal Planet, MNET(Studio 53), SBC, Eye on Africa, Reuters, BBC and Discovery channel, representatives from “The Crocodile Man” Steve Irwin’s family, and many more.
More than 200 articles were published in international news papers, Magazines and on different websites. There were approximately 50 international TV stations that broad casted the same event

What has been achieved?

ORTPN has used this event to raise much needed revenue through their Adoption Program. The revenue raised ensures they can finance initiatives that help them deliver on their promises to protect the mountain gorilla and achieve their mission to remove them off list of the endangered species. Individuals and Corporate Companies contributed for:

* Sabyinyo Community Lodge (SACOLA) costed Usd 1,2 million is now operational and will be launched during the coming June Kwita Izina week
* 10 Water Tanks were constructed
* 2 Schools were constructed and equipped
* Community Commercial Shop Complex in progress in Kinigi
* PNV Buffalo Wall completed
* A ten community projects were supported – Ex poachers association, Etc.

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