Dubai world Africa joins rwanda’s conservation initiative
eco tourism leader adopts baby gorilla in traditional ceremony
Dubai World Africa, leading large scale investments in Africa’s eco-tourism under Nakheel International, highlighted its commitment to the continent’s conservation efforts and to the protection of its traditional values by joining a Rwandan initiative to save its dwindling gorilla population.
Dubai World Africa added its weight to Rwanda’s environmental initiatives by joining the “Kwita Izina” (Give a Name) ceremony organised by Rwanda Office of Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN). The ceremony, which is linked to the centuries-old tradition of celebrating the birth of a child, is marked by naming a baby gorilla and supporting the conservation efforts.
On Saturday (June 21, 2008), at the foot of the Virunga Mountains in Volcanoes National Park, Kinigi, Dubai World Africa announced Platinum Sponsorship, the highest possible contribution to the cause of conserving and protecting the region where the mountain gorillas live and ensuring its future. The name selected for the baby gorilla was “Icerekezo” in the language of Kinyarwanda, which means “Vision” in English.
Dubai World Chairman, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said: “We are honoured to be given the opportunity to name this treasured creature. Acknowledging the essence of conservation and our visions for a positive future, which is one of the core values of Dubai World, we named the baby gorilla ‘Vision’.
“This event plays an important role in raising awareness at the national and international level for the protection of the mountain gorillas, their habitat and the effort and commitment of all involved is highly commendable.”
James Wilson, CEO Dubai World Africa, says that the company has excellent game management skills which are now being applied across the Dubai World Group. “We have adopted a philosophy of responsible and ecologically sensitive investment in Africa, supporting economic growth and community development projects, as well as the conservation of resources and the local environment.”
In addition to its contribution to the Gorilla Naming Project, Dubai World Africa has invested in a number of high-profile projects in Rwanda, making large-scale contribution to its conservation and eco-tourism plans.
Dubai World Africa intends to develop 5-star hotels and resorts and a variety of upgrades for existing developments, including that of the Akagera Game Lodge and Akagera National Park as well as Gorilla Nest Lodge.
In Kigali, the capital city, Dubai World Africa will construct the Kigali Golf Course and Hotel, which will offer luxury 5-star accommodation in over 115 rooms and 50 serviced apartments. The development of the soon-to-be-launched residences on the golf estate is also planned for Kigali.
In partnership with the Rwanda Office of Tourism and National Parks, Dubai World Africa will continue the development of the Nyungwe Eco Forest Lodge adjacent to the majestic Nyungwe Rain Forest. Nyungwe is the largest mountain rain forest remaining in Africa, dating back to before the ice age. The pre-historic attractions of this region are ecologically rich international treasure. It is home to 13 recorded species of primates including the magnificent gorillas and chimpanzees associated with the area. The forest is also the source of the Nile, the world’s longest river, which runs some 6,720km from a trickle of water that springs from the source of Rukarara River, the Nile’s furthest tributary, to Cairo in Egypt.
Deep synergies exist between these hospitality and tourism projects and the gorillas contribute greatly to Rwanda’s tourism industry, which ranks third in terms of foreign currency generation.
Every year thousands of people gather to witness specially invited guests the naming of baby gorillas born in the wild misty mountains of Rwanda. H.E. President Paul Kagame and Mrs. Kagame launched the inaugural ceremony in 2005 by naming the first twin gorillas ever born in the wild. This year the 1st lady of Rwanda and Prime Minister attended the occasion to add valued support to a most worthy cause.
This annual ceremony has evolved to become the premier tourist event both locally and internationally on the tourism calendar and has won the hearts of many worldwide. Exciting arrays of local and international dignitaries have participated in this event including ambassadors accredited to Rwanda; international conservationists, individuals and organizations; Hollywood star Natalie Portman; well-known TV channels such as Animal Planet, Discovery channel; a representative for “The Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin; business leaders and poachers turned protectors. Renowned American Conservationist Jack Hanna described the opportunity to name a gorilla one of his most humbling experiences.
A third of the 750 mountain gorillas left in the world live in Rwanda, which is at the forefront of gorilla conservation efforts. The global attention to the protection of Rwanda’s mountain gorilla has created a permanent bond between Rwanda and the world.
The government of Rwanda through ORTPN has put conservation high on the agenda and thus has chosen to practice eco-tourism that is conscious and based on environmental protection.
Conservation is an important focus area of the business for Dubai World Africa on the continent. It has established Dubai World Conservation Africa as the holding company for a number of prime game reserves in Africa including the international aware winning Shamwari Game Reserve in South Africa which has won the World Travel Awards’ Leading Conservation Company and Game Reserve award for eleven consecutive years, in addition to numerous other international awards and includes a Born Free Foundation Animal Rescue and Education Centre.
Dubai World Africa has a dedicated team seeking investment opportunities in Africa, demonstrating confidence in the economies of the African countries in which it is invested and a strong vision for the future of the continent.
