The Rwanda Development Board announced the postponement of Kwita Izina 2024 on Tuesday, October 8. The much-anticipated event was originally scheduled for October 18, and it would have marked the 20th anniversary of the baby gorilla naming ceremony, known as Kwita Izina.

This year, twenty-two mountain gorillas born in the last 12 months were set to be named during the ceremony, which was to be held at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, Musanze District. Guests were to join the local communities who reside around the habitat of these endangered mountain gorillas. Over the years, Kwita Izina has named 395 baby gorillas since its inception in 2005, significantly contributing to Rwanda’s tourism growth, according to Michaella Rugwizangoga, the Chief Tourism Officer of RDB.

Initially, the event was gearing up to be a grand celebration of conservation and community, drawing global attention with an expected attendance of celebrities, including football stars, movie stars, music stars, as well as 20 top tourism personnel and journalists. Gorilla tourism alone accounts for 1% of Rwanda's GDP, playing a crucial role in local community development. Since 2005, approximately Rwf12.86 billion has funded 1,108 community projects, including schools, health centers, and dairy farms, empowering communities to protect wildlife and the environment around national parks like Volcanoes, Akagera, Gishwati-Mukura, and Nyungwe.

Kwita Izina, inspired by the traditional Rwandan naming ceremony for newborns, honors new gorilla infants. This event, traditionally held at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, emphasizes Rwanda’s dedication to wildlife conservation, eco-tourism, and sustainable development. The ceremony is a heartfelt tribute to the communities around Volcanoes National Park, research partners, veterinarians, and the conservationists, rangers, and trackers who safeguard the gorillas.

Though the postponement is disappointing, the essence of Kwita Izina remains strong: celebrating and protecting Rwanda's natural heritage and promoting global awareness and participation in conservation efforts.

Blogging Team - 08 October 2024