(Posted 07th June 2024)
Emmanuel Ahishakiye, Manager Virunga Lodge, welcomed guests to the 20th anniversary celebration. He led a minute’s silence for the 30th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide Against Tutsi. He also mentioned some of the community projects that Virunga has supported.
Praveen Moman, Founder Volcanoes Safaris, hosted an informal panel conversation on gorilla conservation and ecotourism with Prosper Uwingeli the Chief Park Warden of Volcanoes National Park and key partners.
The panel recorded their thanks to the government of Rwanda for the enormous progress made in gorilla ecotourism and conservation over the last twenty years.
Topics included the successes and challenges of tourism; managing pressures of human population and development and increase in gorilla population; disease control; research on gorilla behaviour; livelihoods for communities; adherence to tourism protocols; transboundary issues; perspectives on Great Apes in the Albertine Rift.
The Mayor of Burera and local government executives spoke about their long relationship with Virunga Lodge.
Yves Ngenzi from the Rwanda Chamber of Tourism and Rwanda Tour and Travel Association highlighted Volcanoes Safaris’ role in leading tourism development.
Marissa Knupp from the US Embassy spoke about cooperation between the US and Rwanda.
Michaella Rugwizangoga, RDB Chief Tourism Officer closed the celebration by laying the first bricks of the new Virunga Community Carpentry and Tailoring Centre, which will offer apprenticeships to local youth. Michaella commended Volcanoes Safaris for two decades of excellence in ecotourism in Rwanda.
The day was concluded with donating sheep to the local people and dancing by the Intore.
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