Gishwati Mukura National Park
Rwanda's fourth national park, Gishwati Mukura, comprises two distinct forests: the expansive Gishwati and the compact Mukura, collectively spanning 34 square kilometers alongside a designated buffer zone.
Situated on the ridge delineating the Congo and Nile water catchment areas within the remarkably biodiverse Albertine Rift in western Rwanda, Gishwati Mukura National Park boasts a rich ecological tapestry. The park comprises 60 tree species, featuring indigenous hardwoods and bamboo, contributing to its unique flora.
Gishwati is habitat to a community of 20 chimpanzees cohabiting with golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and Blue Monkeys. The avian diversity is notable, with 232 bird species recorded in Gishwati and 163 in Mukura, including Albertine Rift Endemic species and forest specialists.
Since its inception in 2019, the park offers a range of activities such as guided nature hikes, chimpanzee and monkey tracking excursions, bird watching expeditions, and visits to scenic waterfalls.
The region faced significant depletion primarily due to resettlement, illegal mining in the mineral-rich forest, and livestock farming.
The formal declaration of its National Park status in 2015 aims to address these challenges by increasing tree coverage to enhance soil fertility, stabilize slopes, and regulate stream flow. This initiative not only promotes environmental restoration but also seeks to improve the livelihoods of the local population. By fostering sustainable practices, the park endeavors to support community development while fostering forest regeneration, thus offering long-term prospects for enhanced living standards.
Community engagement initiatives include immersive experiences such as farm stays, cultural performances, handicraft workshops, beekeeping demonstrations, tours of tea plantations, and opportunities to learn from traditional healers. These activities showcase the harmonious blend of traditional wisdom with modern conservation efforts, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between nature conservation and community well-being.