Rwanda’s Remarkable Women Leading the Way in Conservation Efforts
Rwanda, known for its breathtaking landscapes, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife, is increasingly becoming a popular destination for tourists from around the world. But, what many people may not know is that Rwanda is also home to a group of remarkable women who are leading the way in conservation efforts.
One such woman is Diane Fossey, an American primatologist who dedicated her life to studying and protecting the critically endangered mountain gorillas of Rwanda. Today, her legacy is being carried forward by a new generation of women, who are not only continuing her work but also breaking new ground in conservation.
One such woman is Jesca Mugabo, the Director of the Gorilla Conservation Program for the Rwanda Development Board. Mugabo, who has been working in conservation for over 20 years, is leading efforts to protect Rwanda’s mountain gorilla population, which has been steadily increasing in recent years.
Under Mugabo’s leadership, the Gorilla Conservation Program has implemented a range of innovative initiatives to protect the gorillas, including community-based conservation programs, anti-poaching patrols, and habitat restoration projects. These efforts have not only helped to increase the population of mountain gorillas in Rwanda but have also created economic opportunities for local communities.
Another remarkable woman leading conservation efforts in Rwanda is Dr. Felicite Rwemalika, the Director-General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority. Dr. Rwemalika, who has a Ph.D. in environmental science, is leading efforts to protect Rwanda’s rich biodiversity, which includes not only mountain gorillas but also other endangered species such as elephants, lions, and rhinos.
Under her leadership, the Rwanda Environment Management Authority has launched several initiatives aimed at protecting Rwanda’s biodiversity, including the establishment of protected areas, the promotion of sustainable tourism, and the implementation of laws and regulations to combat wildlife trafficking.
Finally, there is Claudine Uwera, the Director of the Akagera National Park, a vast protected area in eastern Rwanda that is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and giraffes. Uwera, who has been working in conservation for over a decade, is leading efforts to protect and restore the park’s ecosystem, which was severely degraded by human activities in the past.
Under Uwera’s leadership, the Akagera National Park has undergone a remarkable transformation, with significant progress made in restoring the park’s ecosystem and reintroducing endangered species, such as lions and rhinos, that were previously extinct in the area.
In conclusion, Rwanda’s remarkable women are not only breaking barriers in conservation but are also playing a critical role in protecting the country’s natural heritage. Their efforts are not only preserving Rwanda’s rich biodiversity but also creating sustainable economic opportunities for local communities. As the world faces an unprecedented biodiversity crisis, the leadership and dedication of women like Mugabo, Rwemalika, and Uwera serve as an inspiration and a reminder of the crucial role that women play in conservation.
Ethiopia: UN calls for urgent action as Tigray faces famine
The United Nations has called for urgent action to be taken to address the famine that is looming in Ethiopia’s Tigray region. The UN says that the situation is becoming increasingly dire, with an estimated 5.5 million people currently in need of food assistance.
The situation in Tigray has been worsening over the past few months, with fighting between government forces and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) displacing hundreds of thousands of people and disrupting food supplies.
The UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that without immediate action, the region could face a famine worse than that seen in 1984, which led to the deaths of an estimated one million people.
The WFP has been providing food assistance to the region, but its operations have been severely restricted due to the ongoing conflict. The agency has called for safe and unrestricted access to the region to be granted immediately.
The UN has also called for an end to the fighting in Tigray, with Secretary-General António Guterres calling on all parties to “cease hostilities and pursue dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully.”
In addition to the conflict, Tigray is also facing a locust infestation and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has further exacerbated the situation.
The UN has appealed for $1.8 billion in funding to provide assistance to Ethiopia this year, but so far only 22% of that amount has been pledged.
The situation in Tigray is a stark reminder of the need for urgent action to address the root causes of hunger and poverty around the world. It is a tragedy that so many people are suffering due to factors beyond their control, and it is incumbent upon the international community to do everything in its power to alleviate their suffering and prevent such crises from occurring in the future.
