Kwiti Izina, the annual gorilla naming ceremony in Rwanda, not only celebrates the birth of baby gorillas but also underscores crucial lessons in conservation, community involvement, and sustainable tourism. The 2023 marked the 19th edition of Kwiti Izina, which highlighted several key lessons relevant to global wildlife conservation efforts. This 19th edition was graced by several international personalities including but not limited to Kevin Hart, Idris Elba, Sol Campbell, and Danai Gurira, among others.

Here are some of the major takeaways when we look back to the 19th Kwiti Izina edition.

Community Involvement is Crucial

One of the most significant lessons from Kwiti Izina 2023 is the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts. The event showcased how integrating local communities into conservation strategies can yield positive outcomes for both wildlife and people. Communities living near the Volcanoes National Park, home to the mountain gorillas, play a vital role in protecting these animals. By engaging them in conservation activities and providing them with benefits from tourism, Rwanda has created a model of inclusive conservation.

The 19th edition of successfully naming baby gorillas showed that community involvement is yielding results. For over 20 years, Rwanda has not registered any poaching incidents in Volcanoes National Park. However, amidst such a success story, Akagera National Park has not registered the same success.

International Collaboration is Essential

The presence of international figures and conservationists at Kwiti Izina 2023 emphasized the importance of global collaboration in conservation efforts. What started as mere invitations to attend the event turned out to be moments of advocacy. In one of the interviews after Kwiti Izina, Kevin Hart shared his gorilla trekking experience that was part and partial of the Kwita Izina event. He is now one of the people who are sponsoring gorilla conservation in Rwanda through the gorilla adoption campaign.

The same idea can be adopted in the conservation of other critically endangered species.

Gorilla Trekking Is still unknown 

Though gorilla trekking has been happening seamlessly for the last two decades, it is still an unknown activity. When people see the adverts for gorilla trekking, they assume it is similar to safari game drives. They assume that you will watch the animals from a distance.

One of the things that Kevin Hart highlighted after visiting Rwanda was the encounter with the mountain gorillas without any barrier. It is a scary experience yet at the same time very unique from most of the wildlife activities have to offer. What you encounter are wild animals that have gotten used to having human beings in their environment. They are not pets, they are wild animals that require you to behave while in their presence.

Negotiate Business From Home

Many countries have a budget set apart for international visits in the quest to close off business deals. In the case of Rwanda, Kwiti Izina is not merely about gorilla conservation. It is also a tool for marketing Rwanda. Though celebrities are often invited for the sake of gorilla conservation, during the event, Rwanda presents them with the different opportunities available for Investment in Rwanda.

The event gives the visitors an opportunity to experience Rwanda first hand and then make decisions based on what they have experienced in the country. Among the things that Rwanda prides itself is the security in the country.

Kwiti Izina 2023 provided valuable lessons among which include the idea that conservation is not a stand alone initiative. It is a field dependent on several other fields.