Rwanda’s Revenue-Sharing Model Channels 10% of Park Tourism Income to Local Communities
Rwanda’s approach to conservation around Volcanoes National Park is anchored in a progressive revenue-sharing scheme that allocates 10% of all park tourism revenue directly to neighbouring communities. This policy, formalized in 2017, doubled the previous allocation of 5% and is designed to ensure that the economic benefits of wildlife tourism are felt by those living closest to protected areas.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and local authorities use these funds to support vital community projects, including schools, health centres, and water infrastructure, thereby linking wildlife protection to tangible improvements in local livelihoods.
This model has been instrumental in shifting attitudes among residents who once saw poaching as a necessary means of survival. Former poachers like Claude Hakorimana, who grew up relying on illegal hunting for food and income, have been drawn into conservation efforts through a combination of community sensitisation, stricter enforcement, and the promise of shared economic gains. The integration of ex-poachers into cooperatives and conservation work—such as the Gorilla Guardians—demonstrates how local knowledge can be repurposed to protect biodiversity and educate others about the long-term value of wildlife tourism.
RDB’s proactive strategy now blends technology-driven enforcement, community participation, and cross-border cooperation. Patrols have increased in frequency and coverage, leveraging digital tools like GPS tracking, CyberTracker, and SMART Conservation technologies to identify and dismantle snares. The construction of a stone buffer wall and deep trenches along the park boundary further limits human-wildlife conflict, while intelligence-led conservation draws on trusted community members—including former poachers—to provide early warnings about illegal activities.
Despite these advances, challenges persist. The park’s porous borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda complicate anti-poaching efforts, and the rise in snares found is attributed to improved detection rather than a lapse in protection. RDB is also piloting advanced detection technologies and advocating for stronger regional cooperation, harmonised laws, and shared conservation funding to address cross-border threats.
For Africa’s tourism professionals, Rwanda’s experience offers a compelling example of how revenue-sharing and inclusive community engagement can transform former adversaries into conservation allies, while ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism are reinvested in local development. As the sector continues to evolve, such models will be crucial for balancing wildlife protection with the needs and aspirations of neighbouring communities.
