Rwanda today is one of the most inspiring African ecotourism destinations that one can visit and has memorable experiences of rare wildlife, foggy mountainous terrain, and colourful culture. In addition to adventure and scenic beauty, tourism is a crucial aspect in Rwanda, which safeguards the wild animals and helps to empower communities. Visit also
Here is further insight into how your trip to Rwanda helps the conservation efforts and the communities.
1️⃣ Protecting Endangered Species Through Tourism Revenue
Conservation of the mountain gorilla in Rwanda is one of its biggest achievements. They had been on the point of extinction, but due to the stringent conservation policies and good practices of tourism, their number have increased.
The fee paid to trek the gorillas can fetch up to a 1,500 permit per visitor, and this is directly used to run national parks, anti-poaching patrols/veterinary practices, and also to rehabilitate the gorilla habitats. This sustainability-based model guarantees the safeguarding of the rare species found in Rwanda, such as the golden monkeys and chimpanzees, among others, for future generations.
2️⃣ Supporting Community Development Projects
Rwanda has adopted a community-based tourism strategy according to which tourism revenue is heavily invested in the perimeter communities. Rwanda Development Board (RDB) uses 10 percent of the total amount of revenues collected in the tourism parks to fund local projects, which include:
- The construction of schools and health clinics
- Clean water infrastructure provision
- How to strengthen farmers and women cooperatives
- Investment in job training, micro business programs
When you tour national parks in Rwanda, you will be contributing to the well-being of the locals residing next to the national parks.
3️⃣ Creating Employment and Fair Business Opportunities
One of the dynamic ecosystems has developed in Rwanda, and that is the tourism industry that is offering thousands of the Rwandese population in the tourism facilities sector, as guides, conservationists, drivers, and in the tourist lodges industry. Other beneficiaries of visitor expenditure include the local artisans, farmers, and cultural performers, who receive income through the purchase of souvenirs, local tours, and other local food experiences.
To a great number of Rwandans, ecotourism has become a sustainable source of income that is also able to build pride in conservation and cultural practice.
4️⃣ Promoting Conservation Education
Tourism programs in Rwanda usually involve education efforts of people, conservation of visitors and residents. The tour operators and park guides inform travellers on:
- Rational wildlife watching
- Significance of conservation of biodiversity
- Dangers to the endangered species
To enlighten children on the issue of wildlife protection, many national parks partner with local schools to have a new generation of conservation champions.
5️⃣ Preserving Rwanda’s Natural and Cultural Heritage
Tourism has not only served in maintaining the forests and wildlife in Rwanda, but also in retaining its good culture and traditions. The tours of community tourism, like the tour of the Ibyi Iwacu Cultural Village around Volcanoes National Park, allow the travellers to get a glimpse of the traditional culture of Rwandan music, dance, craftwork, and food.
These schemes safeguard cultural heritage and give extra revenues to the rural families as well.
🌿 Final Thoughts
Rwanda has established that tourism can play a great role in the conservation of wildlife and sustainable community development. You can help the Rwandan communities by selecting responsible travel experiences such as gorilla trekking, nature hikes, as well as visiting communities to directly safeguard the endangered species, besides improving the living standards of the locals.
Experiences that you get when you come to Rwanda leave you with memories and a lasting good effect that does not end when you travel back home.
Visit also: Top 7 Reasons Why Rwanda Is Africa’s Cleanest and Safest Travel Destination and Top 5 Must-Visit Ecotourism Destinations in Rwanda
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