Kigali: RDB (Rwanda Development Board) together with the Akagera Management Company passed out 47 new park rangers who will work in Akagera and Gishwati national park.
The ceremony took place in the Akagera National Park. The rangers underwent a six-week training course where they were taught different measures to observe the parks and fight poaching.
Speaking after the passing out parade, RDB Conservation Analyst, Telesphore Ngoga said: “The skills and discipline the rangers have acquired during this exercise is another step in our conservation efforts. With continued conservation, the country earns tourism revenues sustainably which benefits the Rwandan economy. It is my hope that these new rangers go on to become champions of conservation by working together to become the managers of these habitats.”
Jes Gruner, the Akagera National Park Manager said: “Conservation is one of Rwanda’s key prerogatives because it supports tourism and all of the rangers here are part of that vision. They are the first people who protect our environment. Today is the beginning of a life-long journey for these new rangers.”
Dickson Gato, one of the new park rangers who excelled in the training program said: “I have always wanted to contribute to conserving the environment. This training exercise has given me the discipline and skills to do that and it is also a first step for me towards learning more about conservation and its importance to the economy.” (Fin)