39,604 Number of hectares protected and/or with improved conservation status due to AWF interventions beginning in 2016
212,665 Number of people benefiting from AWF's conservation efforts
2 of 2 Wildlife populations supported by AWF that are stable/increasing
Rwanda
AWF has worked in Rwanda’s Virunga mountains, supporting communities and wildlife. Most recently, we returned as the Rwandan government’s partner of choice in a flagship program to link conservation to economic growth and climate resilience. The way forward puts people at the heart of a pioneering plan that enhances community livelihoods and quality of life while restoring the park to ensure gorillas have room to thrive.
Rwanda’s government has developed mountain gorilla tourism into a world-class product vital to Rwanda’s economy. With this success comes a challenge: the expanding gorilla population requires more forest, even as surrounding agrarian communities seek diversified, expanded economic opportunity. Rwanda’s answer is conservation investment that builds community resilience, creates jobs, and grows the economy.
The groundbreaking plan, which could serve as a global model, calls for the following:
- Transition the economy of the Volcanoes landscape through investments in high-value crops agriculture, tourism, forestry, and other nature-based industries
- Restore approximately 37 square kilometers of degraded portions of Volcanoes National Park
- Improve the socioeconomic opportunities and benefits for more than 17,000 Rwandans (3,400 families)
- Improve sustainable, conservation-based tourism experiences and economic benefits for Rwanda and Rwandans
- Create a land-use buffer of 66 square kilometers around the park
See how we are working to support a green, sustainable future for people and wildlife in Rwanda. Watch below.
We’re supporting and monitoring populations of mountain gorillas in the Virungas Landscape. Other species that benefit from our conservation interventions in this landscape include the golden monkey, spotted hyena, buffalo, savanna elephant, black-fronted duiker, and bushbuck.
Reason #70 to get involved
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