A total amount of $US 3.5 million has been allocated to implement community projects around Volcanoes Park in Northern Rwanda and which is known for attracting visitors for gorilla trekking experiences, an official source revealed Friday.
According to Dancilla Nyirarugero, Governor of Northern Province, the funding allocated focused to boost productivity in agriculture , livestock while another part has been released to support construction works for schools, clinics, construction of houses for the most vulnerable
“These projects have created jobs and markets thanks to the funds collected from tourism activities around the park, ” it said.
Since 2005, at least 354 baby gorillas have been named in Rwanda. The number of gorillas increased by 26%, from 480 in 2010 to 604, according to the figures by Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Michaella Rugwizangoga, RDB’s Deputy Director General in charge Tourism said conservation and sustainable development is the responsibility of all of us to strengthen Gorilla Tourism and volcano park.
The good news, according to the Rwandanofficals is that the Covid-19 pandemic is receding, and tourism is on the rise.
“The park’s income too. We thank the local population for their role in protecting the Park,” she said.
CU/abj/APA