Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has revealed that a total of Rwf2.6 billion is set to be injected in community-based projects in the outskirts of national parks in the fiscal year 2022/2023. Of these, Rwf721 million will be allocated for development projects in the surroundings of Virunga National Park.

Since 2005, the Government of Rwanda initiated the Tourism Revenue Sharing Programme which aims at guiding investment in the areas surrounding the various national parks in Rwanda by ensuring that a portion of all park revenues is given back to the communities.

In 2017, the percentage allocated for community projects increased from 5% to 10%.

Figures show that revenues from Rwanda’s tourism sector have been increasing steadily following the drop by 70% owing to effects of COVID-19 pandemic.

Last year, Rwanda registered an increase by 25% in tourism revenues reaching US$164 million up from US$131 million of 2020.

In 2019, the country generated US$498 million from tourism.

The Chief Tourism Officer at RDB, Ariella Kageruka has said that the increase in tourism revenues saw funds disbursed to implement 72 projects in the outskirts of national parks in 12 districts.

She was speaking on Tuesday 23rd August 2022 at the official inauguration and handover of socio-economic community projects built under tourism revenue sharing program this year in Kayonza District, Eastern Province.

They are also part of this year’s baby gorilla naming ‘Kwita Izina’ celebrations. This year’s baby gorilla naming ceremony is scheduled on 2nd September 2022.

The projects handed over include a fish farm, industrial park, teachers’ hostels and an abattoir. Communities have also been provided a workshop for tailoring, carpentry and welding.

Kageruka revealed that the portion of revenues allocated for community projects has increased from Rwf900 million to Rwf2.6 billion.

“As announced, the Rwf2.6 billion will be earmarked for the implementation of various community projects in the outskirts of national parks. Over Rwf515 million will distributed to communities in the surroundings of Akagera National Park. The same amount will be allocated for projects in the surroundings of Nyungwe. Rwf309 million will go to Gishwati while over Rwf721 million will be allocated to communities in the surroundings of Virunga National Park,” she said.

Kageruka also urged residents on collaboration to up efforts geared towards conservation of national parks to sustain the impact of revenues generated from tourism.

The Mayor of Kayonza District, John Bosco Nyemazi highlighted that Akagera national Park holds great significance for residents considering the impact of projects undertaken in collaboration with the park’s management.

These include a fish-farming project bringing together residents who sell 30 tons every year.

Nyemazi disclosed that they also want to distribute 1.5 million fish seeds among residents. Among others, two villages have been connected to electricity while 10,000 trees were planted to beautify towns.

Other projects include an abattoir, teachers’ hostels while 34 cooperatives were grouped together and generated Rwf184 million last year.

Faustin Iyamuremye has said that the new business center workshop will help him to create linkages with clients, learn from other welders and increase income unlike the past where his business was not known because he worked from home.

The Executive Secretary of Eastern Province, Dr. Jeanne Nyirahabimana thanked RDB for having introduced the Tourism Revenue Sharing Program noting that it played a significant role to the fight against poachers.

She also requested residents to take good care of built infrastructures and stand against poaching.

The launch of these infrastructures was preceded by a cycling race that saw riders making laps in Kabare sector. Winners received brand new bicycles and smartphones.

Figures from RDB indicate that Rwf7.9 billion have been injected in more than 880 development projects aimed at transforming livelihoods of communities in the surroundings of national parks since 2005.

These community-based projects have provided clean drinking water, milk, health centres, classrooms and housing to communities living around the four national parks ; Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park, Volcanoes National Park and Rwanda’s newest Gishwati-Mukura National Park.

AE News