KIGALI, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda's gorilla naming ceremony, locally known as Kwita Izina, is set to take place on Sep. 5, with 40 baby gorillas to be named, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has announced.
The 20th edition of Kwita Izina will unfold in the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, in Musanze District, northern Rwanda, and the baby gorillas to be named include 18 born in 2024, the RDB said in a statement on Wednesday.
"Thanks to the unwavering dedication and support of the government of Rwanda, partners, and communities, the mountain gorilla population in the Virunga Massif has increased from 880 in 2012 to over 1,063 today. This success highlights the impact of community-based conservation and strategic partnerships," said RDB Chief Tourism Officer Irene Murerwa.
Through initiatives like the tourism revenue sharing program, which allocates 10 percent of tourism revenues back to local communities, the RDB noted it has helped improve schools, roads, and access to clean water among park communities.
"This demonstrates that when conservation benefits communities, nature thrives. As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our shared duty to protect biodiversity and create a sustainable future for generations to come," Murerwa said.
Kwita Izina was officially introduced in 2005 to celebrate Rwanda's conservation achievements, engage communities, and inspire global awareness. Since then, 397 gorillas have been named, according to data from the RDB.
This year's ceremony will honor the local communities and rangers who continue to play a vital role in the survival of Rwanda's mountain gorillas, the RDB said.
Ahead of Kwita Izina, a smart green agricultural project will be launched in Musanze District as part of this year's tourism revenue share program, alongside additional donations to benefit communities living around Rwanda's other national parks. ■
