Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association Wins Top African Award

By The Inspirer.

The Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA) has won a top continental award in an annual African competition recognizing efforts to protect wildlife, organized by UK-based charity Tusk.

The contest brought together 170 ranger teams from 24 countries. In the 2025 edition, Rwanda emerged first in the men’s category and third in the women’s, a strong testament to the country’s growing leadership in wildlife conservation.

The competition challenges participants to run 21 kilometers while carrying weighted backpacks—22 kilograms for men and 10 kilograms for women. Although each team competes from their home country, results are tracked digitally to determine continental winners.

In Rwanda, the race took place at the Rugezi wetland in Rulindo District on September 20, 2025. The men’s team finished in 2 hours, 14 minutes, and 30 seconds, while the women’s team clocked 2 hours and 49 minutes.

Winners receive double the funds raised by their organization for conservation and welfare benefits such as health insurance.

Dr. Ruhagazi Deo, RWCA’s Deputy Director General, said the award affirms Rwanda’s dedication to protecting endangered species. He praised the rangers’ efforts in restoring the population of grey crowned cranes (imisambi), which have risen from 71 in 2017 to 351 in Rugezi and 1,245 nationwide by August 2025.

“This recognition shows the impact of our rangers’ hard work,” Dr. Ruhagazi said. “Their commitment has helped Rwanda’s cranes thrive again.”

RWCA also tracks cranes fitted with GPS devices to monitor cross-border migration into Uganda, Burundi, and Tanzania, partnering with conservation groups in those countries.

Founded in 2014, RWCA focuses on protecting Rwanda’s endangered species and their habitats. The latest award positions the organization among Africa’s top wildlife conservation leaders.