Rwanda’s Gorilla Naming Ceremony
Kwita Izina has modelled off a centuries-old tradition in which Rwandans name their children in the presence of family and friends. In 2005, Rwanda began officially naming mountain gorillas in what has become a global celebration of nature. By giving a name to these majestic animals, they give them a value they undoubtedly deserve.
Kwita Izina
The ceremony is an opportunity to thank the communities that live around Volcanoes National Park, Research partners, vets and dedicated conservationists, rangers and trackers who protect the gorillas. Over the last 16 years, more than 300 mountain gorillas have been named.
Kwita Izina
Each year, a naming ceremony is held for newly born baby gorillas in the Volcanoes Biosphere Reserve in Rwanda: Kwita Izina. Closely modelled on a tradition that has been part of Rwandan culture for centuries, the ceremony is a reminder of our close relation to these great apes who share 99% of our DNA. It was adopted to create awareness of conservation efforts for the endangered mountain gorilla. “A name professes the aspiration parents have for their children. through the names we give our children, we determine our own destiny said the Rwanda Tourism Chief. and the way we define our common destiny through Kwita Izina – we are defining where we want to go.
The Volcanoes Biosphere Reserve, which is home to the mountain gorilla, contributes to promoting sustainable tourism by fostering socio-economic development and environmental protection in a positive manner. Tourism focused on natural environments forms a large and growing part of the tourism industry in Rwanda.
Holding the ceremony in the biosphere reserve is particularly significant, not only because it is home to the endangered gorillas, but also because it is part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, learning sites for sustainable development that aim to improve interactions between social and ecological systems, and promote solutions to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use.
The ceremony is usually the culmination of week-long activities among which is the “Conversation on Conservation” conference that serves as a forum for conservation and sustainable tourism, with project presentations, debates and exhibitions in September. normally every year has a theme that usually reflects the plans and projections that are being focused on in a effort to achieve sustainable tourism through conservation measures and practices
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