Our first full day at the cultural center was eye-opening. We visited the communities near Volcanoes National Park, meeting local families who will be affected by the park’s expansion. Listening to their stories and insights was crucial in shaping the Wild Happiness Survey, ensuring it accurately reflects their needs and experiences.<\/p>\n
Later, we visited the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, where Rwanda’s dedication to conservation and protecting natural heritage is on full display. We also joined the local community in drumming and dancing\u2014a joyful reminder of the cultural richness and spirit of togetherness that underpins this work.<\/p>\n
Ecosystem Restoration and Local Innovation<\/strong><\/h3>\nWednesday brought us to the riverbanks, where the Wildlife Conservation Initiative (WCI) is spearheading ecosystem restoration efforts by reintroducing indigenous trees. These efforts are vital for boosting biodiversity, stabilizing soil, and creating local employment, particularly for youth and women.<\/p>\n
In the afternoon, we visited the Virunga Mountain Spirits distillery\u2014a craft distillery that celebrates Rwanda\u2019s volcanic soil and highlights the traditional role of women in spirits production. The distillery not only supports local craftsmanship but also empowers women, linking tradition with economic opportunity.<\/p>\n
Training Data Collectors and Gorilla Trekking<\/strong><\/h3>\nOn Thursday, we held a training workshop for our local data collectors. Together, we reviewed survey questions, discussed best practices for gathering well-being data, and shared a few laughs along the way. This enthusiastic team is now prepared to take on the crucial role of gathering community insights.<\/p>\n
Friday was a personal highlight for me\u2014a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park. Witnessing a family of 35 gorillas in their natural habitat was awe-inspiring, and the experience left me even more committed to our conservation work. The joy of this experience was mirrored by artist and data collector Winnie, who surprised me by painting “my” baby gorilla for me!<\/p>\n
Celebrations and Reflections<\/strong><\/h3>\nOn Saturday, we attended a graduation ceremony for community guides trained by Red Rocks. It was an honor to present certificates to the young guides, who are eager to share their culture and community with visitors. On the way back, I was delighted to meet Valerie, the Program Director at Conservation Heritage \u2013 Turambe (CHT). We have many mutual friends and share involvement in the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders (EWCL) organization. It was inspiring to learn how she and Red Rocks are collaborating to support the community as they prepare for relocation.<\/p>\n
Back at the Red Rocks Cultural Center, we celebrated the spirit of community and conservation. I felt honored to join the local women in their drumming and dancing\u2014truly a highlight of my journey.<\/p>\n
Wrapping Up in Kigali<\/strong><\/h3>\nOur time in Kigali concluded with productive meetings with inspiring conservation and development leaders, including Dr. Andrew G. Seguya, Executive Secretary of Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration, and Eugene Mutangana, Head of Department Conservation at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).<\/p>\n
Although the Business of Conservation Conference and the gorilla naming ceremony were canceled, our last days in Kigali were filled with meaningful connections and new opportunities. As I departed for Italy and the International Wildlife Coexistence Network conference (stay tuned for my next blog!), I was filled with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude for the relationships forged during this journey.<\/p>\n
Looking Ahead: Wild Happiness in Action<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe data collection for “Wild Happiness \u2013 Rwanda” is now underway, and we can’t wait to share new insights soon. Each story, each voice from the community, helps us support the well-being of both people and wildlife in this beautiful region. Thank you to all who made this journey possible\u2014especially Piper & Heath Travel for their support in bringing this vision to life.<\/p>\n
Stay tuned for more updates on the Wild Happiness project in Rwanda!<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/onenatureinstitute.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Wild-Happiness-Rwanda-1024x768.jpg\")
On Thursday, we held a training workshop for our local data collectors. Together, we reviewed survey questions, discussed best practices for gathering well-being data, and shared a few laughs along the way. This enthusiastic team is now prepared to take on the crucial role of gathering community insights.<\/p>\n
Friday was a personal highlight for me\u2014a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park. Witnessing a family of 35 gorillas in their natural habitat was awe-inspiring, and the experience left me even more committed to our conservation work. The joy of this experience was mirrored by artist and data collector Winnie, who surprised me by painting “my” baby gorilla for me!<\/p>\n
Celebrations and Reflections<\/strong><\/h3>\nOn Saturday, we attended a graduation ceremony for community guides trained by Red Rocks. It was an honor to present certificates to the young guides, who are eager to share their culture and community with visitors. On the way back, I was delighted to meet Valerie, the Program Director at Conservation Heritage \u2013 Turambe (CHT). We have many mutual friends and share involvement in the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders (EWCL) organization. It was inspiring to learn how she and Red Rocks are collaborating to support the community as they prepare for relocation.<\/p>\n
Back at the Red Rocks Cultural Center, we celebrated the spirit of community and conservation. I felt honored to join the local women in their drumming and dancing\u2014truly a highlight of my journey.<\/p>\n
Wrapping Up in Kigali<\/strong><\/h3>\nOur time in Kigali concluded with productive meetings with inspiring conservation and development leaders, including Dr. Andrew G. Seguya, Executive Secretary of Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration, and Eugene Mutangana, Head of Department Conservation at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).<\/p>\n
Although the Business of Conservation Conference and the gorilla naming ceremony were canceled, our last days in Kigali were filled with meaningful connections and new opportunities. As I departed for Italy and the International Wildlife Coexistence Network conference (stay tuned for my next blog!), I was filled with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude for the relationships forged during this journey.<\/p>\n
Looking Ahead: Wild Happiness in Action<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe data collection for “Wild Happiness \u2013 Rwanda” is now underway, and we can’t wait to share new insights soon. Each story, each voice from the community, helps us support the well-being of both people and wildlife in this beautiful region. Thank you to all who made this journey possible\u2014especially Piper & Heath Travel for their support in bringing this vision to life.<\/p>\n
Stay tuned for more updates on the Wild Happiness project in Rwanda!<\/p>\n
Our time in Kigali concluded with productive meetings with inspiring conservation and development leaders, including Dr. Andrew G. Seguya, Executive Secretary of Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration, and Eugene Mutangana, Head of Department Conservation at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).<\/p>\n
Although the Business of Conservation Conference and the gorilla naming ceremony were canceled, our last days in Kigali were filled with meaningful connections and new opportunities. As I departed for Italy and the International Wildlife Coexistence Network conference (stay tuned for my next blog!), I was filled with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude for the relationships forged during this journey.<\/p>\n
Looking Ahead: Wild Happiness in Action<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe data collection for “Wild Happiness \u2013 Rwanda” is now underway, and we can’t wait to share new insights soon. Each story, each voice from the community, helps us support the well-being of both people and wildlife in this beautiful region. Thank you to all who made this journey possible\u2014especially Piper & Heath Travel for their support in bringing this vision to life.<\/p>\n
Stay tuned for more updates on the Wild Happiness project in Rwanda!<\/p>\n