Los Angeles, USA, 26 July 2024 – On Thursday, 25 July, Visit Rwanda, held an exclusive event titled ‘Conversation on Community-led Conservation’ at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. 

This special event took place on the sidelines of Arsenal’s USA Summer tour and featured renowned club legends, Gilberto Silva and Theo Walcott.

The event aimed to promote Rwanda’s eco-tourism, raise awareness for conservation efforts, and support the upcoming 20th Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony. 

The event gathered conservation partners, leading tourism and travel operators, commercial partners, and friends of Rwanda.

Francis Gatare, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board welcomed guests and expressed gratitude to the partners who support Rwanda’s conservation and community-focused efforts, ensuring a thriving wildlife habitat and tourism ecosystem.

Ariella Kageruka, Head of Tourism and Conservation, Rwanda Development Board, noted:

“As a result of the conservation efforts of the Government and its partners, mountain gorillas were down-listed from critically endangered to endangered. Mountain gorillas are the only great ape population that is increasing anywhere in the world.”

On behalf of conservation partners, Africa Wildlife Foundation, Mr. Edwin Tambara noted:

“Volcanoes National Park is not only special because it is one of only three homes of mountain gorillas, but also for its legacy of bold action to conserve gorillas in their natural habitat.”

The event highlighted the successful collaboration between Visit Rwanda and Arsenal, emphasising the importance of eco-tourism and community-centred conservation efforts. 

Speaking on the partnership with Visit Rwanda, Arsenal Commercial Director Olly Dale expressed the football club’s pride in playing a role in wildlife conservation and their interest in continuing to explore ways to do so. “Together with Visit Rwanda, we co-produced and launched the first-ever Arsenal x Visit Rwanda gorilla toy, which sold out quickly in its initial phase. We look forward to relaunching it in our outlets in the coming months. Proceeds from each sale go towards the restoration of Volcanoes National Park.”

More events are scheduled during the tour, from 24 July to 1 August, to engage with fans, partners, business executives, and entrepreneurs from the technology, creative, and entertainment industries.

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