Photo Courtesy Beth Allgood, Rwanda 2024
The dramatic increase of the mountain gorilla population in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is one of conservation’s greatest success stories. With the population growing from 400 to over 1,000 individuals, this achievement brings new challenges as the park expands to accommodate these magnificent creatures. But what does this mean for local communities facing transition?
At OneNature, we believe that understanding community well-being is crucial for sustainable conservation. Our partnership with Red Rocks Initiative for Sustainable Development (RRISD) and our recent Wild Happiness assessment in communities near Volcanoes National Park revealed remarkable insights about resilience, cultural connections, and the complexities of change.
A Resilient Community in Transition
The findings paint a picture of extraordinary community strength. Despite upcoming transitions, overall life satisfaction (75%) significantly exceeds both Rwanda’s national average (33-35%) and global benchmarks (55-57%).
This resilience is built on powerful foundations:
✅ Trust in local leadership – 90%
✅ Robust social support networks – 83%
✅ Deep environmental and cultural connections – 85%
Greg Bakunzi, Executive Director of Red Rocks Initiative for Sustainable Development (RRISD), shared how these findings will shape future initiatives:
“The Wild Happiness Survey has provided invaluable insights into our communities near Volcanoes National Park during this crucial transition period. Our organization, deeply embedded in these communities, was struck by how the assessment captured not just challenges, but also the remarkable strength of our people—their deep connection to the environment, strong cultural bonds, and community resilience. OneNature’s thorough analysis and practical recommendations give us a clear roadmap for supporting our communities through the park expansion while preserving what matters most to them. The survey’s holistic approach aligns perfectly with our vision of community-led conservation and sustainable tourism, and we look forward to using these insights to strengthen our programs.”
Conservation, Culture, and Community Well-Being
Perhaps the most striking finding is how environmental and cultural well-being reinforce each other, with a strong correlation (0.72) between these domains. This connection grows even stronger with age, reaching 91% among community elders. It’s a powerful reminder that conservation isn’t just about protecting nature—it’s about preserving the profound relationships between people and their environment.
Addressing Key Challenges
While the assessment highlights strong community foundations, it also identifies areas for improvement:
⚠ Economic satisfaction – 66%
⚠ Work-life balance – 61%
Notably, households facing full vs. partial land relocation show consistently lower well-being scores across multiple domains, indicating the need for targeted interventions to support fair and equitable transitions.
Turning Insights into Action
These insights are already informing a three-phase implementation strategy that builds on community strengths while addressing challenges systematically. By understanding both the resilience and vulnerabilities of these communities, we can help design transition programs that:
🔹 Maintain social bonds
🔹 Preserve cultural practices
🔹 Strengthen economic opportunities
Why Well-Being Measurement Matters for Conservation
The story unfolding in Rwanda demonstrates why measuring well-being is essential for conservation success. When communities undergo significant changes—even for positive conservation outcomes—understanding and supporting their holistic needs becomes crucial.
The remarkable community strength we’ve discovered provides a foundation for sustainable transition that benefits both people and wildlife. Through our Wild Happiness approach, we’re helping ensure that as mountain gorillas thrive, so do the communities who have long been stewards of their habitat.
Join the Movement📢
At OneNature, we are committed to putting well-being at the heart of conservation. If you’re interested in learning more about our Wild Happiness approach or supporting these efforts, reach out to us at info@onenatureinstitute.org or visit onenatureinstitute.org.
Photo Courtesy Beth Allgood, Rwanda 2024