Project Lead: Peter Buttarazzi
Meeting Time: Tuesdays 7:00-8:00 PM, MTH 0306
Contact: ewb.rwanda.pl@gmail.com
Project Phase: Design
Background:
Akagera National Park is located along the eastern border of Rwanda and is the only park in Rwanda with the Big Five game species (lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo). African Parks is in charge of managing Akagera, and part of their mission is building strong relationships with the surrounding communities to ensure the stability of the park. We are working with African Parks on two different projects outside of the park that will directly benefit the surrounding communities.
Our first project will be located a 10-minute drive south of the park entrance around Lac Gishanda. The lake is home to a fish farm that produces tilapia fingerlings that are a source of protein for the surrounding communities. Recently, the farm has experienced large fish die-offs during the rainy season. We are working with the farm and the surrounding community to ensure that the fish can live in a healthy environment.
We will also be working closely with farmers along the border of the park who have been experiencing issues with wildlife entering their farms. We are monitoring the presence of wildlife and offering advice for deterrence techniques that can lower the frequency of interactions between wildlife and farmers, while keeping both parties safe.