Why is the Kwita Izina (Gorilla Naming) event in Rwanda important?

The Kwita Izina (Gorilla Naming) event, held annually in Rwanda every September, is a significant event dedicated to the conservation of the endangered mountain gorillas that inhabit the country’s Volcanoes National Park. Since its inception, Kwita Izina has become a cornerstone of Rwanda’s efforts to protect its natural ecosystems and wildlife, while fostering sustainable ecotourism. The event has gained international recognition, having named 395 baby gorillas since it began. This initiative contributes to both the protection of the gorillas and the growth of Rwanda’s tourism sector, which in 2023, generated over USD 620 million in revenue from 1.4 million visitors.

At the heart of the Kwita Izina ceremony is the practice of naming baby mountain gorillas. Gorillas, who share 98% of their DNA with humans, exhibit many similar characteristics, including distinct, individual facial features. Naming each gorilla serves a practical purpose in conservation efforts—it allows researchers and park rangers to identify and monitor the growth, health, and family dynamics of each gorilla. Like humans, gorillas live in family units, typically led by a dominant adult male, known as a silverback, who protects and guides the group. Naming both individual gorillas and their families aids in tracking these social structures and ensures that the animals can be effectively monitored and protected.

While naming the gorillas was once the responsibility of park rangers and researchers alone, the Kwita Izina ceremony has since grown into a much larger event that now includes both local and international participants. Each year, the ceremony takes place in Kinigi, a village nestled at the base of the Virunga Mountains, where both Rwandans and visitors from around the world gather to celebrate the new arrivals in the gorilla population. Notable public figures, celebrities, and conservation advocates are invited to bestow names on the baby gorillas, either choosing from a list of suggested names or proposing their own, which are then translated into the local Kinyarwanda language.

Kwita Izina (Gorilla Naming) has evolved into a powerful tool for raising awareness about gorilla conservation, particularly within local communities. These communities, which live near Volcanoes National Park, are vital partners in Rwanda’s conservation efforts. As immediate neighbors to the gorillas, their role in protecting the park’s wildlife is crucial. By involving local people in Kwita Izina, the ceremony fosters a sense of ownership and pride in the preservation of the gorillas and their habitat. The benefits of gorilla conservation are also tangible for the local population. Ten percent of the revenue generated from gorilla trekking permits is directed towards community development projects, improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, and livelihoods in the areas surrounding the park.

In addition to this revenue sharing, the growth of Rwanda’s gorilla tourism sector has provided employment opportunities for many locals. Jobs in the tourism industry, such as park guides, hotel staff, and those involved in providing food and services to the hospitality sector, have improved the economic well-being of the region. As a result, local communities have become integral to the success of conservation initiatives, ensuring the long-term protection of the mountain gorillas.

The international recognition of Kwita Izina (Gorilla Naming) has turned the event into one of the world’s most important conservation ceremonies. Being invited to name a baby gorilla is now regarded as one of the greatest honors in the conservation world, drawing global attention to the importance of preserving these remarkable creatures. As each gorilla is given a name, they become not only part of their local environment but also part of a broader global effort to protect their species and ensure their survival.

If you are interested in attending the Kwita Izina ceremony, you can register through the Rwanda Development Board. The event provides a unique opportunity to witness firsthand Rwanda’s commitment to conservation and to be part of a movement that is helping to secure the future of mountain gorillas. By participating in this special celebration, you contribute directly to the conservation of one of the world’s most endangered species and to the sustainable development of local communities.