The Red Rocks Initiative for Sustainable Development, based in Rwanda, is making meaningful strides in community-based conservation and sustainable development. As a leader in integrating local communities into conservation efforts, Red Rocks has established a dynamic approach that combines ecotourism, arts and culture, and direct conservation projects. This unique model supports biodiversity while strengthening local economies and cultural heritages.
We hope this model will serve as a standard of community-centered conservation efforts for securing a sustainable future for all.
OneNature’s Contribution: Enhancing Data-Driven Conservation
Building off this foundation, our collaboration aims to introduce our participatory community methodology and a data-driven framework to these established efforts.
By integrating OneNature’s expertise in social science and community well-being assessments, we can elevate the impact of Red Rocks’ ongoing projects, ensuring that conservation efforts are both practical and truly beneficial to the communities they involve.
Working alongside the Red Rocks Initiative and the community allows for a more personal and authentic strategy, tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of the people most affected by these projects. That’s why, this September, OneNature staff will travel to Rwanda to do just that.
Our Vision: A Future of Co-Created Conservation Solutions
After the initial pilot, our shared vision is to expand efforts across the broader Volcanoes National Park region, eventually crossing borders into Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Our goal is to set a new standard for conservation efforts that protects our planet’s precious biodiversity and enhances the well-being of local communities. Together, OneNature and the Red Rocks Initiative envision a future where community-led conservation becomes a global model. Our partnership is designed to preserve Rwanda’s natural beauty and biodiversity while engaging its communities, making them active participants and beneficiaries of the conservation efforts.
In this vision, local knowledge and cultural values are central to developing conservation strategies that are sustainable while enriching the social fabric of the community. By respecting and incorporating local traditions and practices, our approach ensures that conservation efforts are embraced and maintained by those who live and depend on these lands and resources.
Join Us in Making a Difference
As we prepare for our initial data collection and community meetings in September, we are actively seeking support and funding to ensure the success of these initiatives. Your contribution can make a profound difference in how effectively we implement these plans and eventually expand their reach.
We invite you to join us in this transformative journey. Your support will help us co-create solutions that not only conserve the environment but also create lasting benefits for the communities involved.
Together, we can build a sustainable future where conservation and community development go hand in hand.
For more information on getting involved or contributing to this essential work, please visit OneNatureInstitute.org or contact us directly. Let’s pave the way for a future where communities are at the heart of conservation efforts, crafting resilient solutions that stand the test of time.
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Image courtesy of Red Rocks Initiative