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WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION IN RWANDA
In 2014, Dr. Olivier Nsengimana, a veterinarian, founded a conservation project to protect the endangered grey crowned crane in Rwanda from illegal trade. In 2015, Dr. Nsengimana developed this initial project into the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association, which researches and protects endangered and threatened species across the region. We spoke to Dr. Nsengimana about the RWCA’s work.
“Rwanda is one of the most density populated countries in Africa. As a result, there’s huge competition for resources between people and wildlife. The wetlands that form the cranes’ natural habitat are in high demand for people to grow food, while the threats of illegal wildlife trafficking and the huge demand for the pet trade have further devastated wild crane populations in the past, which were pushed to an estimated low of just 300 in 2012-13.
The primary work of the RWCA has been to address this situation, protecting wild crane populations by halting illegal trade and protecting key habitats. To do that, we’ve adopted a holistic approach. The organization has implemented a range of activities, from confiscating captive cranes
and reintroducing them back into the wild, to working with law enforcement, running nationwide school campaigns, as well as campaigns on radio and television, as well as habitat restoration. We’ve built up a network of conservation centers across the country, with individuals positioned in local communities whose responsibility it is to train and educate their colleagues about the importance of the environment and conservation.
A key pillar of our work to revitalize wild crane populations has been our Umusambi Village sanctuary and nature reserve. The Village is a 25-hectare piece of land situated within the capital city of Kigali. Prior to its life as a nature reserve, the land was being used for unsustainable purposes, but since the RWCA commenced ownership we’ve worked to expand the vegetation, transforming the area into a home for cranes that cannot be re-introduced into the wild, whether because of ill-health, permanent injury, disability, or habituation issues. Thanks to our work, we’ve ended the illegal trade of cranes in Rwanda, and we’re confident that population numbers are now travelling in a strong direction. As of this year, we counted 881 cranes throughout the country, nearly twice the number in the wild when we first started to count back in 2017. Over the last couple of years, we’ve begun to diversify our operations, with work to save Rwanda’s flying foxes – including research, conservation work, and raising awareness about how we can successfully coexist with the species. We’re bringing the same approach to our work with the African grey parrots and shoebills. As we look ahead, our target is shifting towards how we can make Umusambi Village a more sustainable business venture, generating income that can be fed back into expanding and improving our conservation efforts.
There’s a common misperception that responsibility for conservation falls with certain people, whether it’s governments or NGOs like the RWCA. This isn’t the case. The RWCA believes strongly in the need to establish a culture of conservation, putting communities at the heart of our strategy and restoring a concept of ownership, whether we’re talking about grey crowned cranes, or any animal species. We know that we won’t succeed in the fight to protect our wildlife and respond to climate change without bringing everyone on board and showing people the difference we can make in our own lives and our communities. By focusing on the little things, together we can have a big impact.” c
SPOTLIGHT ON UMSAMBI VILLAGE
Drive only ten minutes from Kigali International Airport and you’ll arrive at Umusambi Village. A vital part of the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association’s project to protect Rwanda’s grey crowned cranes, the Village is a 21-hectare nature reserve providing a sanctuary for cranes that cannot be re-introduced to the wild.
A combination of marshland and grassland, the Village provides an area within the capital city where people can visit to learn about the cranes and the RWCA’s ongoing conservation work, and be inspired to adopt a more eco-conscious attitude to their own surroundings. As well as cranes, Umusambi Village caters for a number of species including birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. The Village fulfils an important role within Rwanda’s economy and tourism industry, creating jobs among local communities in maintenance and conservation, and offering a case study for similar sanctuaries across Rwanda and Africa in best-practice conservation and species management.
All proceeds from visits to the Village go towards funding ongoing care and veterinary expertise for the RWCA’s disabled crane population, upkeep of the site, education for local children about wildlife conservation, and supporting wider activities to prevent illegal poaching and wildlife trafficking.
Visit https://umusambivillage.org to learn more, plan a visit, or donate. Opening times are 8am to 5pm (last entry 4pm), with additional morning and evening tours available on request.
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