Contribution of NGOs in mountain gorilla conservation in Rwanda: a case study of Karisoke Research Center
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Date
2010-09
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Kampala International University, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Abstract
This study was carried out to find out what has been the work of Karisoke Research Center in conservation of the mountain gorillas over its 40 years of existence in Rwanda, its impact and the challenges the center faces in accomplishment of its mission. For most tourists coming to Rwanda, the mountain gorillas of the Volcanoes National Park is their principal attraction. This makes that park the most visited tourist site in the country, and thus, the first site to generate most income. However, these mountain gorillas are classified as critically endangered species in the world and have always been fighting for survival due to serious threats including poaching, cattle grazing, firewood collection, water fetching, park encroachment, etc. The research questions of this study were as follows: a) what has been done by Karisoke Research Center during the 40 years of existence in Rwanda in conservation of mountain gorillas? b) Has the work of Karisoke Research Center contributed to effective conservation of the mountain gorillas? c) What are the challenges Karisoke Research Center is facing in conservation of the mountain gorillas? d) What measures can be taken to mitigate them? This study was of a qualitative category and used interviews and questionnaires as data collection tools. Data was consequently analyzed to address the initial goal of the study. The findings of this study indicated that apart from the Government of Rwanda, numerous NGOs were involved in mountain gorilla conservation efforts and these included Karisoke Research Center which has made significant contributions in mountain gorilla conservation over the 40 years of existence in Rwanda through research, active conservation and community programs. However, like other partners in conservation, Karisoke Research Center faces serious conservation problems that challenge their efforts apart from the traditional threats. This study found out challenges that are beyond the control of any partner in conservation and can lead to the total extinction of the mountain gorillas and thus to the end of Rwanda’s hope of developing through tourism if nothing is done in the future. These challenges include war and political unrest in the African Great Lakes region where the last mountain gorillas in the world are found and climate change which is one of the possible causes of biodiversity loss. This study suggests that in face of these increasing challenges, further regional cooperation is needed. It also gives recommendations on how the region should deal with the impact of climate change.
Description
A thesis presented to the School of Postgraduate Studies and Research Kampala International University Kampala, Uganda in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Project Planning and Management
Keywords
Non-Government Organizations, Mountain gorilla conservation, Rwanda, Karisoke Research Center