Gishwati-Mukura’s Restoration Delivers Dual Benefits: Wildlife Recovery and Community Development
Communities surrounding Gishwati-Mukura National Park have received approximately Rwf2 billion from tourism revenues—equivalent to 10 percent of earnings since the park’s rehabilitation—to fund development projects that improve livelihoods while promoting conservation.
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Wildlife Recovery Success
According to Chief Park Warden Anaclet Budahera, the park’s chimpanzee population has surged from just 13 individuals in 2007 to 40 in 2025 following restoration efforts. These chimpanzees, listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, were once on the verge of extinction due to massive forest encroachment and degradation over a decade ago.
This progress was highlighted as Rwanda celebrated the International Day for Biosphere Reserves on November 4 around Gishwati-Mukura National Park, recognizing regions where nature and communities coexist harmoniously.
Global Recognition and Local Impact
In 2020, the Gishwati-Mukura landscape in Rwanda’s Western Province was designated part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves—living laboratories demonstrating sustainable development, environmental conservation, and community well-being.
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Gazetted as Rwanda’s fourth national park in 2016 and managed by the Rwanda Development Board since 2019, the park comprises two separate forests—Mukura and Gishwati—situated along the biodiverse Albertine Rift, dividing the Congo and Nile water catchment areas.
Since opening to visitors in December 2020, tourists have been drawn by diverse species including chimpanzees, golden monkeys, duikers, and various birds, all showing population increases.
Community Development Investments
Over the past six fiscal years (2019/20-2024/25), the Rwf2 billion revenue share has transformed local communities. Rutsiro District received Rwf1.3 billion, while Ngororero District benefited from Rwf655.3 million.
These funds have supported housing for vulnerable families, water supply projects, energy-saving stoves, health facility upgrades, and various income-generating activities including tailoring, beekeeping, and handicrafts. Additional projects include classroom and market construction, plus road and bridge rehabilitation.
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Beekeeping Empowerment
Six beekeeping cooperatives with 510 members (including 240 women) have been established with approximately Rwf100 million in support. Rutsiro District Mayor Davtive Kayitesi confirmed that modern beekeeping tools were distributed specifically to empower women beekeepers.
Through the UNESCO and Guerlain Women for Bees Programme, three cooperatives with 36 women received at least $65,000 in second-phase funding.
“Our honey production has drastically increased thanks to improved beehives,” said Emilienne Mukasine, representing 11 women beekeepers in COVEB cooperative, Mushonyi Sector. “Previously we harvested 200-300kg from 10 traditional hives. Now we get 750kg per season from 10 improved hives.”
Biodiversity Assessment Findings
UNESCO-supported biodiversity assessments in Mukura and Gishwati have documented rich ecological diversity. An April 2025 study surveyed plants, birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and various invertebrates across 20 sites.
Findings recorded 124 bird species including 12 Albertine Rift endemics and the critically endangered Hooded Vulture, along with 255 plant species—two newly recorded. The study also identified minimal anthropogenic disturbance to water systems and documented 12 amphibian and 5 reptile species.
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Integrating Indigenous Knowledge
Research on indigenous knowledge among communities around Gishwati Forest has yielded guidelines for incorporating traditional wisdom into conservation. Recommendations include stronger collaboration between the Rwanda Development Board, conservation partners, and local communities, plus capacity building for residents near protected areas.
The plan supports traditional healers in establishing medicinal plant gardens, organizing residents into cooperatives, creating sustainable community knowledge bases, and improving human-wildlife conflict management to promote peaceful coexistence.
Restoration of Gishwati-Mukura Forest began in 2014, with the area established as Rwanda’s fourth national park in 2016, comprising the separate Gishwati and Mukura forests.