GORILLA-NAMING
EVENT: "KWITA IZINA"
Rwanda aims to be the premier Eco-tourism
destination on the African continent. Rwanda aims to promote Rwanda as a high quality
tourism destination, to serve as a regional meetings and conference hub for
central and Eastern Africa, and to enhance Rwanda’s diverse and unique tourism
products in order to bring tourists to the country and generate revenues.
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The Mountain Gorillas born each year in Rwanda's Volcanoes National park are named at the annual Kwita Izina Ceremony. |
Inspired by the Rwandan tradition of holding a naming ceremony for babies after their birth, Rwanda hosts this annual event given names to the new born Gorillas in a mammoth event at the foot of the Virunga Mountains (Volcanoes
Mountains) in a ceremony known as Kwita Izina in local language of Rwanda; this
has been a part of tradition for years in naming every year new-born gorilla,
this was introduced in 2005, in order to raise awareness for safeguarding the
Mountain Gorilla that are in danger of extinction. Since Kwita Izina began, over 280 baby gorillas have been given a name to influence the character and future prospects of a newborn
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Kwita Izina ceremony of naming new-born wild gorillas in Rwanda, was introduced in 2005 in Volcanoes National park to support Gorilla Conservation and local community project |
During this event, thousand of people from different
continents, regions and local visitors get together for naming the new
born-gorillas. The revenues which come from these tourism activities every year
go towards maintaining the Park and Preserving the Flora and Fauna life. The balance
goes to government and about 10% to the local projects in order to boost the
well-being of the natives. In addition revenues collected is shared in researchers, trackers, porters and guides. Revenue from the sale of trekking-permits helps to support Volcanoes National Park and three other protected wildlife reserves across the country.
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Rwanda Development Board (RDB) organizes Gorilla naming Ceremony near Town of Kinigi at the foothills of the Virunga Massif. |
Kwita Izina naming ceremony is an incredible milestone and fantastic achievement for those who are involved in conservation of endangered species like Mountain Gorillas. Kwita Izina plays a crucial role in raising funds and preserving natural heritage. This drive to sustainable development and poverty eradication based on community conservation.
The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily of the scientific study
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