The Beginning
Founded by conservation biologists and community leaders in Musanze District, recognizing that protecting gorillas required protecting the people who live alongside them.
About Us
Protecting
Protecting
Forests &
Futures
We're a conservation organization that refuses to choose between people and wildlife.
Our Mission
To protect the Virunga volcanic highlands and their mountain gorilla populations by creating economic models where conservation is the most rational choice for local communities.
We don't believe in fortress conservation or asking subsistence farmers to protect forests they can't use. Instead, we create enterprises, restore habitat, fund education, and prove that community prosperity and wilderness protection can coexist—measurably and sustainably.
Our Journey
Eight years of proving that conservation can work for everyone.
First Enterprises
Launched community poultry and honey collectives, creating alternative income for 45 families in buffer zone villages.
Habitat Restoration
Began landscape-scale reforestation, planting 180,000 indigenous trees with community participation and employment.
Zero Poaching
Achieved the 8th year with zero poaching incidents in our operational zones—proof that the model works.
Scaling Impact
Expanded to 8 villages, 225+ families employed, and habitat connectivity extending for the first time in 40 years.
Our Principles
The values that guide every decision we make.
Community First
Conservation must solve people’s problems. We create dignified, local income pathways.
Radical Transparency
Every dollar tracked. Every outcome measured. All data published.
Evidence-Based
We partner with universities to rigorously test what works. Data-driven interventions protect forests.
Long-Term Thinking
We commit to decades-long partnerships with communities, measuring success in forest cover and family income.
Recognition & Partners
Validated by organizations we respect.
UN SDG Award 2024
Sustainable Development Goals Life on Land
Conservation Innovation
African Conservation Foundation 2023 Winner
Best Practice Model
International Gorilla Conservation Community Programme
Financial Transparency
External Review International The Hague 2025
Research Partnership
University of Rwanda Conservation Biology
Ecotourism Excellence
Responsible Tourism Awards Africa Winner 2025
Meet the Team
Our work is led by Rwandan conservationists, community organizers, and field biologists who call the Virunga region home.
View Team & Leadership