Kinigi, Rwanda | 4 September 2026 – Action pour la Protection de l’Environnement et la Promotion des Filières Agricoles (APEFA) joined Rwandans and conservation partners from across the world at the 21st Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony, held at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, where 22 baby mountain gorillas were officially given names.
The annual celebration brought together local communities, conservationists, development partners, government officials, and distinguished guests to celebrate Rwanda’s remarkable conservation achievements and reaffirm the shared commitment to protecting mountain gorillas and their natural habitat.
Held under the theme “Conservation is Life: Sustaining the Future,” the 2026 Kwita Izina ceremony highlighted the importance of collective action in safeguarding biodiversity while promoting sustainable development. Distinguished Namers from the fields of conservation, tourism, business, sport, entertainment, philanthropy, and public service were invited to name the newborn gorillas, symbolizing Rwanda’s inclusive approach to conservation and its commitment to ensuring that future generations can continue to benefit from the country’s natural heritage.
The ceremony was graced by Rt. Hon. Justin Nsengiyumva, Prime Minister of Rwanda, as Guest of Honour, alongside H.E. Mokgweetsi Masisi, Former President of Botswana; H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia; and Rt. Hon. Peter Pinda Mazengo, Former Prime Minister of Tanzania.
For APEFA, participation in Kwita Izina reflects its commitment to environmental protection, sustainable development, and community-based approaches that contribute to the long-term resilience of Rwanda’s ecosystems and communities.
With 22 baby mountain gorillas named in 2026, the total number of mountain gorillas named through Kwita Izina since the ceremony became an annual event in 2005 has reached 460, a milestone that reflects Rwanda’s continued investment in conservation and its global leadership in protecting the critically endangered mountain gorilla.
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