Eco-Tourism in Rwanda: Home to stunning works of nature, diverse wildlife, and a colorful population, Rwanda today is fast developing a seat for environmental tourism. The government and people of the country have set high standards and importance to environment-friendly modes of travelling hence setting a pace in responsible tourism in Africa. In conservation, sustainable development, and involving the people, the Rwandan approach to ecotourism goes hand in hand with preserving the natural and cultural resources for tourists and benefiting the people of Rwanda. Whether you’ve got your heart set on a mountain gorilla tracking adventure, enjoy hiking through the roofs of the world, or love meeting with local people, here’s how Rwanda is embracing sustainable tourism and how you can join and make a difference during your trip.
Conservation-Centered Tourism
If there is one thing that cuts across Rwanda’s eco-tourism, it has to be the aspect of conservation. It is factual that the protected areas of the country including the Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akagera National Park are very instrumental in safeguarding endangered species as well as special systems. These parks are indeed run with a keen emphasis on conservation and it is done in a way that the beauty of the park is preserved and the presence of tourism does not have a negative impact on the animals.
Mountain Gorilla Conservation:
Volcanoes National Park is arguably the most popular of the Rwanda conservation areas mainly because of mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking forms a core of the park’s tourism offer that Rwanda applies in its eco-tourism market strategy. Because of this, the Rwandan government has put in place measures that limit the number of trekkers who are allowed to go trekking with the gorillas. Few permits are available for daily issue and while trekking one is supposed to keep a certain distance from the gorillas. Money collected from the sale of the gorilla permits goes directly to funding the conservation of the animals and development projects that benefit the community, thus making tourism an effective tool for the protection of the gorilla.
Akagera’s Rebirth:
The poaching and habitat degradation were rife in Akagera National Park but thanks to the conservation tourism it has changed. It houses the Big Five, namely the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino and brings to life the reality of how eco-tourism can rekindle life in different species. Employment of local people as park rangers and guides is the major principle of the Akagera where people gain from wildlife conservation by selling their products to tourists.
Community Engagement and Empowerment
Rwanda’s efforts in eco-tourism are intended to have a positive impact both on the environment as well as the community. Ecotourism: Rwand has embarked on unique community-based tourism where the traveler can be exposed to the local culture of Rwandans and at the same time assist in the development of the country.
Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village:
Volcanoes National Park for instance has an Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village that has positively been impacted by tourism. This particular cultural village makes it easier for a visitor to have an appreciation of traditional Rwandan culture in areas such as dancing, music, and weavings among others as they are taught directly by the people of Rwanda. The income received from tourism is channeled into supporting the education, health, and other sectors within the village. When showcasing cultural tourists embrace Rwandan cultural resources, other people within the community get economic benefits.
Agro-Tourism:
The physical environment of Rwanda is also suitable for agro-tourism activities since it is endowed with fertile land that enables one to learn about modern agricultural practices by being involved in the process. Coffee and tea more specifically are well classified for tourist consumption and give a sneak peek into the booming agricultural industry in Rwanda. These tours also extend to displaying the various ways of preparing and using these crops as well as the fair trade practices and conservation of environment. Direct meetings with farmers and coops make a visitant to pay farmers for the products and experiences and therefore ensures that tourism expenses go to the countryside.
Sustainable Lodging and Eco-Friendly Accommodations
Eco-friendly policies are also seen in hospitality industry in Rwanda where many lodges and hotels are practicing sustainable tourism. Showcasing energy-efficient architectural features or using locally sourced resources for construction of buildings, these kinds of lodgings give the guests a comfortable and warm experience in addition to preserving nature.
Bisate Lodge:
Bisate Lodge is a unique and leading example of luxury eco-tourism in Rwanda that is situated close to the Volcanoes National Park. The architecture of the lodge is of Rwanda origin and only eco-friendly products are used in the construction of the building. Bisate has also heavily invested in planting trees with tree-planting exercises being encouraged among the guests. This is highlighted by the fact that part of the revenue generated by the lodge is used to support health care and education among the tribesmen in the surrounding region.
Nyungwe House:
Nyungwe House is yet another gem within the forest that is Nyungwe Forest National Park which is located in Rwanda. When it comes to the environment, the lodge uses renewable energy sources and other measures including water conservation to reduce the perpetuity of the environment. Staying true to its authenticity, Nyungwe House also employs and provides the guests with cultural interactions that party Rwandans with an opportunity to learn original Culture and even buy from local chefs and farmers.
Eco-Friendly Activities and Practices for Tourists
Here are a few tips that will help you as a responsible tourist in Rwanda to support its eco-tourism activities as below; Here are some practices to consider during your visit: Here are some practices to consider during your visit:
- Respect Wildlife and Habitats:
During National parks and reserves visits, always abide by presented guidelines from your guides and park rangers. Do not approach any wild animal too closely, do not feed animals, and stick to trails and tracks while in the park.
- Reduce Plastic Use:
Rwanda has put in place a policy that banned the use of plastic bags in the entire country hence they should not be carried into the country. Rather than this, make sure to carry the shopping bags, water bottles, and other containers that are eco friendly while traveling. Some lodges and hotels have also adopted the practice of purifying water in order to lessen the use of plastic containers.
- Support Local Communities:
Opt for community-based tourism products directly making an impact on the locals in terms of an opportunity to earn an income. From trying various handmade products to having a cup of coffee at Rwandan restaurants that are owned by Rwandese, to even sleeping in hotels that are owned by the community the choices that consumers make can make a big difference in the lives of Rwandese.
- Opt for Eco-Friendly Transportation:
To further accommodate sustainable tourism, people should rely on environmentally friendly transport tools like bicycles, walking, or using electric cars while cycling in Rwanda. It is still possible to have various forms of transport nowadays touching Rwanda for ecotourism through environmentally friendly means such as bicycle conducting tours and walking safaris.
Conclusion
The given model of developing eco-tourism in Rwanda proves the seriousness of the country when it comes to handling the problem of eco-tourism. Conservation, community, and environment upheld by Rwandan tourism make the tourists’ experience very memorable. As a tourist, the decisions you make can help to support and sustain Rwanda’s environment and culture which will enable this incredible country to remain the perfect travel destination for future generations.
