On August 7, 2025, Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC), in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB)/Volcanoes National Park Management, successfully conducted a one-day training session for wildlife scouts and nocturnal crop guards in Musanze, at La Palme Hotel. The initiative aimed to strengthen community-based conservation efforts and address persistent human-wildlife conflicts (HWC) in areas adjacent to Volcanoes National Park (VNP), particularly Cyanika.

The training brought together approximately 30 participants, including 20 nocturnal crop guards, in response to increasing transboundary crop raiding incidents—primarily caused by buffaloes from Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (MGNP) crossing into Rwandan territory. These challenges are exacerbated by the absence of physical deterrents along a 1,030 km stretch of the Rwanda-Uganda border.

Facilitated by Dr. Jean Bosco Noheri of Gorilla Doctors, the session focused on:

• Identification and behavior of wild animals in Volcanoes National Park.
• Skills for mitigating and managing human-wildlife conflicts.
• Integration of community members into park management strategies.

Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Janvier Kwizera on behalf of the Chief Park Warden, highlighting the importance of local knowledge and home-grown solutions in conservation. GVTC’s representative, Mr. Juvenal Mukeshimana, provided an overview of GVTC’s mission and its role in promoting transboundary collaboration across the Greater Virunga Landscape.

Key presentations included:

• An overview of HWC in VNP and surrounding communities by Mr. Oreste Ndayisaba (RDB).
• Wildlife scout responsibilities and animal behavior management by Dr. Noel (Gorilla Doctors), including practical tips on first aid and safety during animal encounters.

Despite the enthusiasm and commitment shown by participants, the post-training evaluation revealed  a need for extended and more comprehensive training modules. Challenges identified included limited time, entrenched perceptions of wildlife as government property, and low literacy levels among some participants.

Recommendations and Way Forward

• Extend training duration and diversify topics to include conflict resolution and law enforcement basics.
• Promote gender and age inclusivity in future sessions.
• Expand training to other communities bordering VNP.
• Equip nocturnal guards with necessary tools to begin their duties, as committed by GVTC.
• Address transboundary issues to facilitate the installation of physical deterrents.

The training concluded with remarks from Chief Park Warden Prosper Uwimgeli, who reaffirmed RDB’s support and commended GVTC’s continued partnership in fostering sustainable conservation and community development.

GVTC remains committed to empowering local communities and enhancing regional cooperation to ensure the long-term protection of biodiversity within the Greater Virunga Landscape.

This training was made possible through funding from the European Union Delegation to Rwanda, under the project titled Transboundary Ecosystem Management of the Greater Virunga Landscape for Sustainable Development (TEMS). The project is implemented by the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC).

Report by:

Juvenal Mukeshimana

GVTC Program Assistant