Rwanda Birding Association (RBA)

Rwanda Birding Association (RBA)

There was a quiet time during the last 2 and a half months with some board members leaving but a meeting was recently held again. One of the big drawbacks at this stage appear to be the lack of start up funding for the final development of the website and training of bird guiding instructors with Birdlife South Africa.

The latter is of major importance because although there are a very few individuals like myself experienced with birding and guiding birders, none of us will be accepted as ‘trainers’ without the official certification. The RBA will also be approaching more formally, the ABC, Birdlife and RSPB in this regard with capacity building in various communities as the main focus.

Another matter being addressed is finding corporate sponsors to support birding routes/areas much along the same model as Birdlife South Africa. Interest has been expressed by some companies but as birding is largely an unknown past-time and/or tourist attraction in Rwanda, educating potential sponsors and interested parties is of major importance.

The founding of bird clubs in Kigali, the capital, and in Musanze (Ruhengeri) are also in planning. These two clubs could lead the way in raising awareness with residents and tourists alike as regards birding and the involvement with conservation issues related to birds and habitat.

General

1. The tourism authority in Rwanda, ORTPN, has commenced on a major drive both with local tour operators as well on an international scale, to raise awareness of birding in the country. They are also supportive of the Rwanda Birding Association and planned efforts of the association.
2. The resident ornithologist of Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International (DFGFI), Claudien Nsabagasani, was called upon last week to assist in the community with a sub-adult Greater Pelican that had partially swallowed a fishing net in the Mukungwa River, near Musanze (Ruhengeri). The rescue was further assisted by the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project (MGVP) who is currently taking care of the bird. Re-introduction and the location is being discussed at length as it appears the bird had been tamed in the community - this being very obvious from the way it reacts to human presence, even myself come close to it the first time. The taming cannot be confirmed but this is being taken into account as regards the release of the bird and ensuring that it’s not near human habitation. The lakes in Akagera National Park in the east of Rwanda are presently considered the best for the release.
3. This rescue has also proven how keen the MGVP and DFGFI both are to be involved in the conservation of birds as well in addition to their main focus on the Mountain Gorillas. Both organisations have also offered support in advice and expertise for the future in as far as bird and habitat conservation are concerned.

Conclusion

Education and awareness in Rwanda on matter relating to birds still requires a lot of work and the proposal on the ground is that this goes hand in hand with the tapping of local knowledge on birds in communities, habitats and the changing conditions, both climate-wise and environmental due to development.

It is encouraging to see the Tourism authority ORTPN supporting birding as another tourism attraction in addition to the endangered Mountain Gorillas. Birding and capacity building in communities for the industry is in its infancy and the potential as a result is massive.

I hope this short report helps. Please let me know if there matters you would like me to elaborate on more.

Next year I’m sure the report will be showing major progress having been made in Rwanda.

Regards

Marcell

Marcell Claassen

PO Box 181

Musanze

Rwanda

Mob: +250 0867 1572

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