Rwanda, an east African country lying close to the equator, it is a pleasant equatorial climate and home to diverse flora and fauna. As one of the fastest growing and densely populated nations in the world, human activities such as agriculture, mining, poaching, road and dam construction, affect its biodiversity.
A country of limited land and natural resources with 4 national parks, few forest reserves and lakes, is experiencing rampant modernization of Kigali city, other towns as well as development of slum areas. This not only puts strain on the natural resources but also the economy.
As such, ecotourism is being practiced in Rwanda, having incorporated environmental protection laws in its constitution; the Rwandan development board is committed to clean air and green environment. This is largely attributed to the government’s green growth and climate resilience National strategy adopted in 2011.
Kigali city was ranked by global green growth as Africa’s second cleanest city. Visitors enjoy a greener visit during Kigali city tours taking in some of its genocide memorials, craft markets in Nyamirambo, Rwanda museums, art libraries, hotel Rwanda and several entertainment and leisure places like Mamba club.
Eco tourism according to the international eco-tourism society means responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the wellbeing of the local people and involves education and interpretation for both tourists and hosts.
So why is ecotourism important for Rwanda?
As tourists planning to visit the country on a safari, want nothing more than mountain gorilla trekking in volcanoes national park Rwanda, exploring breathtaking Nyungwe forests teeming with chimpanzees, primates, birds, waterfalls and natural life, viewing wildlife in Akagera national park or relaxing at Lake Kivu beaches.
These places are found in remote parts of Rwanda where locals thrive in their communities depend on sustainable agriculture as their source of income and development. Because of this, locals promote ecotourism as well as Rwandan culture at Iby’Iwacu cultural village near volcanoes national park in the north and Banda and Katabi cultural villages in Nyungwe forest. The locals engage in community tourism service provision giving visitors on a Rwandan safari a unique experience including cultural encounters, home stay accommodation and local food.
As a result of locals benefiting from conservation, wildlife and ecosystems in Rwanda have recovered as well as poaching and human wildlife conflicts; encroachment and habitat loss have reduced paving way for eco tourism development.
Being an eco traveler in Rwanda, means you respect local environmental laws, does not contribute to littering and pollution. This awareness has been pushed through anti-littering policies and the banning of polythene bags in Rwanda while helping tourists and locals alike to protect and conserve the environment.
To further promote ecotourism, local programs such as Umuganda, are being held in partnership with international programs following the United Nations declaration of 2017 as a year of sustainable development. Every ending Friday of the month, all Rwandans take it to upon themselves to clean streets, plant trees as local authorities award the best clean villages and towns which has cultivated a culture of conserving environment.
So if you’re planning a trip to Rwanda, why not become an eco tourist, if more visitors to Rwanda adopt to its green growth development, Rwanda is likely to have less environmental stress and health hazards.