This year’s Kwita Izina was a celebration of biodiversity, environmental protection and conservation achievements! June 5th 2010 marked both the sixth annual Kwita Izina as well as the UNEP World Environment Day.

The Rwanda Development Board was honored to have the event graced by His Excellency the President of Rwanda, the First Lady and numerous Ministers and international guests. President Kagame was also given an Energy Globe Award for the many reforms the Government of Rwanda has made to ensure environmental protection and sustainability.

American actor and UNEP Goodwill Ambassador Don Cheadle was also on hand to name a baby gorilla and spoke about his experiences as a Goodwill Ambassador and his travels in Africa so far.

Unique features of this year’s Kwita Izina included online voting by people all over the world to select a name for two of Rwanda’s newborn gorillas. The names chosen were “Zoya” and “Waka Waka”!!

Rwanda was also honored to have its own Great Lakes Refineries produce the limited edition Kwita Izina Commemorative coin which was presented to all those who were selected to name a baby gorilla. This rare coin depicts Rwanda’s pride in its successful conservation efforts and will be a global symbol of international support for Kwita Izina.

The continued support from all Rwandans and the international community is greatly appreciated and will continue to drive the Kwita Izina efforts for many years to come.