Rwanda private sector contests new gorilla permit pricing

The Rwandan private sector involved in tourism and hospitality industry has raised concern over the recent increase of 'gorilla permit' pricing by 50 per cent, as it might jeopardize their business. Last week, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) announced the increment which will take effect beginning June 1 this year save for the prior bookings made before this date. The increase will see foreign non-residents pay $750 as opposed to the current $500 to visit the gorillas; foreigners residing in Rwanda will pay$375 instead of $250, Rwandan nationals $50 up from $33 respectively.

However, the private sector says the ‘immediate and draconian enforcement of this decision’ will have lasting repercussions on their industry and the image of the country. The mountain gorillas are one of Rwanda’s top tourism revenue earners, accounting for 90 per cent of park revenue generated in the country. “The implementation of this increase was done without due consultation and we regret the manner in which this was done despite our attempts to consult on this process. We have already seen strong reactions from our partners, and we are very sure that this is going to have a negative impact on our businesses and the industry at large,” reads the statement in part signed by the chairman of tourism chamber of Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation (PSF), the umbrella organization of the private sector issued on January, 28th.

Rwanda’s tourism receipts leaped to $200 million in 2010, up 14 per cent from 2009. In 2011, the sector generated $251million. “This increase comes at a time when there is significant growth of the gorilla population as well as an increasing demand for gorilla tourism. We are very committed to sustain our efforts in conservation in order to protect their environment as well as the rich biodiversity that exist in our national parks,” John Gara , the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of RDB said announcing the increment.

The population of mountain gorillas has increased by 26.3 per cent over the last seven years with a 3.7 percent annual growth, according to Gorilla Census conducted in April 2010.

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All About the Mountain Gorillas

After the recent census of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Massif, the population of mountain gorillas stands at 786: 480 in the Virunga Massif (based on 2010 census) + 302 in Bwindi (based on 2006 census) + 4 orphaned gorillas in a sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

A century of persecution

In 1902, the German explorer Oscar von Beringe became the first non-African to encounter the mountain gorilla. In the ensuing century, a combination of hunting and habitat destruction has driven this very rare primate to the verge of extinction.

To the rescue – the first gorilla champions

But for the intervention and dedication of a handful of people, the mountain gorilla would surely already be extinct. The work of conservationists such as Carl Akeley, George Schaller and Dian Fossey focused global attention on the plight of gorillas

Local heroes

It is the people of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda and Uganda, for the most part unsung heroes, who deserve the credit for ensuring the survival of the mountain gorilla, and who offer the greatest hope for its continued survival over the coming centuries. The continued protection, monitoring and management of the mountain gorilla and its habitat have demanded huge commitment and cost many lives. The dedication of park staff in the three countries is the chief reason why mountain gorillas are thriving today

Limited range

Mountain gorillas are effectively divided into two distinct populations. The first is confined to an area of around 330 square kms in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The second is found in the Virunga Volcano Region (VVR), which lies across the international borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Although it comprises one single ecosystem covering approximately 450 square kms, the VVR is separated into three national parks: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcano National Park in Rwanda and the Southern Sector of the Virunga National Park in DRC

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