Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association
Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association, Rwanda
ABOUT: RWCA is known for its ground breaking and award-winning work to save the endangered Grey Crowned Cranes in Rwanda. In 2014, when RWCA was established, there were Grey Crowned Cranes in captivity everywhere in hotels and in the gardens of private houses. They were captured and sold openly in cities and towns around the country. There were only an estimated 300 remaining in the wild in Rwanda, and they were rapidly heading towards extinction. Today, all cranes have been removed from captivity in Rwanda and those healthy enough have been reintroduced to the wild. The wild population of cranes is now above 1000 and continuing to grow.
Founded and run by Rwandans who come from and understand local communities and their challenges, RWCA’s mission is to apply home-grown solutions to protect and restore threatened wildlife and wild places. They work to reduce threats to wildlife through research and monitoring, wildlife interventions, conservation education, community engagement, strengthening livelihoods, and restoring and protecting natural habitats.
RWCA is building upon their experience and success with cranes, and expanding their approach and focus to include other threatened and endangered species in Rwanda including bats, Shoebill, Sitatunga antelope, and African Grey Parrots. Their network of over 100 Community Rangers and Conservation Champions based at biodiversity hotspots throughout the country are key to sustainable change within Rwanda and has helped bring about a shift in Rwandans taking ownership over its beautiful wildlife and habitats to ensure that it can be enjoyed for years to come.
Impact
1,216 Grey Crowned Cranes sighted in the 2023 national census, more than doubling the population numbers from their first census in 2017.
Over 1,700 patrols of Ramsar protected Rugezi Marsh are completed each year by their team of Community Rangers.
33,317 children engaged in environmental education and outreach activities.
78,357 indigenous trees have been planted and followed up to improve habitats and biodiversity.
70 hectares of forest and wetland restored.
“A key aim of this organization is to build the capacity of young Rwandan veterinarians and conservationists, providing them with unique and interesting work experience in wildlife conservation in hopes it will inspire them to continue and advance the field of wildlife conservation in Rwanda.
Through the Umusambi Village, a beautifully restored 25-hectare wetland on the edge of Kigali city, RWCA provides a sanctuary for disabled Grey Crowned Cranes saved from the illegal pet trade. "
- Olivier Nsengimana, Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association, Rwanda