On 4 September 2026, ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA joined national and international conservation stakeholders at the 21st Annual Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony held in Kinigi, Musanze District. The organisation was represented by a delegation led by its Vice President, Mr. Balthazar Twagilimana.
Held under the theme “Conservation is Life: Sustaining the Future,” the ceremony brought together communities, conservationists, researchers, policymakers, tourism and business leaders, development partners, and guests from around the world to celebrate the naming of 22 baby mountain gorillas. The event was graced by the Prime Minister of Rwanda, Rt. Hon. Justin Nsengiyumva, alongside other distinguished guests.
Kwita Izina celebrates Rwanda’s remarkable conservation progress while highlighting the importance of collective action. More than 1,060 mountain gorillas now live in the wild across the Virunga Massif and Bwindi ecosystem, following decades of collaboration among governments, communities, conservation organisations, researchers, rangers and other partners.
For ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA, participation in Kwita Izina reflects the organisation’s commitment to community-based conservation around Volcanoes National Park. In collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board and other partners, ARECO works with communities in Burera, Musanze and Nyabihu to address the drivers of habitat degradation through sustainable agriculture, food-security initiatives, women’s bamboo handicraft cooperatives, and tree and bamboo planting.
By promoting sustainable livelihoods while restoring and protecting the environment, these initiatives help reduce pressure on the park and contribute to the long-term protection of its fragile ecosystem and endangered mountain gorillas.
The 21st Kwita Izina ceremony was therefore both a celebration of new life and a reminder that lasting conservation depends on strong partnerships and thriving communities. ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA remains committed to being part of this collective effort to protect Rwanda’s biodiversity and build a sustainable future for communities living alongside Volcanoes National Park.
