The Extra-Ordinary Council of Minister of the GVTC (Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration) convened yesterday in Kigali to discuss both the five-year transboundary strategic plan as well as the GVTC’s budgetary requirements. The GVTC is comprised of Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

The Council of Ministers is an organ governing the Transboundary Collaboration and provided in the Treaty signed by the three countries, through which they commit themselves to the sustainable conservation of the Greater Virunga Landscape, including the Virunga Massif and Bwindi ecosystem, which are both home to the endangered mountain gorilla.

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Vincent Munyeshyaka, led the high-level Rwandan delegation that included Clare Akamanzi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board.

Speaking on the opening of the meeting, Minister Munyeshyaka said;

“Our wish is to see this transboundary collaboration become an engine of regional integration.  Not only at socio-economic level but also cultural, through building a regional identity”.

This is the second Ministerial meeting that has been held since the GVTC treaty was ratified in 2015.

Hon. Kiwanda Godfrey Sssubi, Minister of State for Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities ,represented the Republic of Uganda and Mr. M. José Ilanga,who represented H.E Hon.  Dr. Amy Ambatobe Nyongolo, the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, represented the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Greater Virunga Transboundary Treaty aims to enhance the protection of both flora and fauna in the region, increase peace and security and promote inclusive growth