Call for protection of endangered species as Rwanda celebrates the 2nd International Day for Biosphere Reserves
By Elias Hakizimana.
The National Commission for UNESCO (CNRU) in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Program celebrates the 2nd International Day for Biosphere Reserves, calling on the Community to conserve Biodiversity.
The celebration of the 2nd International Day for Biosphere in Rwanda’s Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve is a significant occasion that highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species.
The celebration is taking place at Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve (GMBR) in Rutsiro District from November 1-3, 2023.
Telesphore Ngoga, Conservation Analyst at the Rwanda Development Board, emphasizes the benefits of Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve from a tourism perspective.
The infrastructure attracts tourists, provides them with meals, and benefits neighboring communities through various support programs, such as water supply, residential housing, and income generation for women beekeepers in cooperatives.
At the boundaries of the Kivu belt, Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve connect with the Volcano National Park in Southern Rwanda and Nyungwe National Park in Southern Rwanda.
Ngoga explains that biosphere reserves play a significant role in biodiversity conservation and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals through tourism. The area offers opportunities for tourism-related activities that can attract investors and benefit local citizens.
According to Ngoga, the restoration of Gishwati-Mukura National Park is at 80 to 90 percent, indicating significant progress in preserving this important natural area.
Ngoga emphasizes the need to protect endangered species, such as chimpanzees, golden monkeys, gorillas, and various plant species. Poaching has been a major threat to these animals, and there is a concerted effort to engage citizens in biodiversity conservation.
Ir. Dominique Mvunabandi, Director of Sciences, Technology, and Innovations Unit at Rwanda National Commission for UNESCO, highlights the importance of the Gishwati-Mukura National Park as a biosphere reserve, including its impact on capacity building and support for beekeeping cooperatives.
UNESCO recognizes certain areas as biosphere reserves, including Rwanda’s volcanoes and Gishwati-Mukura. These reserves support education and research development in the field of biodiversity conservation.
Call to Preserve Endangered Species
The National Commission for UNESCO collaborates with citizens to raise awareness about the importance of preserving biodiversity. There are plans to educate citizens about the value of these biosphere reserves and the mutual benefits they bring.
The Gishwati-Mukura National Park as a biosphere reserve has had a positive impact, including capacity building and funding for women involved in beekeeping cooperatives.
The celebration is held under the theme “We are part of the solution,” highlights the importance of collective action and collaboration among all stakeholders in environmental and biodiversity conservation, as well as tourism.
Local Benefits
Prosper Mulidwa, the Acting Mayor of Rutsiro District, highlights the positive impact of tourism, including beekeeping projects that contribute to the district’s development. The district has received substantial revenue from tourism in recent years, which supports various community development initiatives.
Murindwa says that the district has experienced an increase in tourism revenues. In the fiscal year 2023-24, Rutsiro district received Rwf327 million.
“This is a significant increase from the previous year when we received Rwf205 million. The growth in tourism revenue indicates the district’s growing attractiveness to tourists and the positive economic impact on the local community.” Murindwa says.
The celebration of the 2nd International Day for Biosphere underscores the vital role of biosphere reserves in conserving biodiversity, the benefits of sustainable tourism, and the importance of protecting endangered species. It also calls for collective efforts to preserve these valuable natural resources.
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