Travel Blog

One Rwanadan's Story A Rwandan native who has worked to turn gorilla poachers into protectors will discuss his community building work during an upcoming lecture at the University of Redlands. Edwin Sabuhoro will share his experiences in Rwandan conservation and eco-tourism Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 4:30 p.m. in the university’s Orton Center. The event is free and open to the public. Sabuhoro was so troubled by the practice of gorilla poaching – capturing gorillas and offering them for sale on the black market – that he was inspired to quit his job, donate part of his savings to local villagers to plant crops, and move to England to earn a master’s degree in conservation and tourism in 2006. After earning his master’s, Sabuhoro returned to Rwanda and began working with the community on development projects designed to provide residents with other ways to make money, instead of poaching. Soon, the community launched the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, which sits on the edge of Volcanoes National Park. The village is entirely owned by local villagers and informs tourists who come to the region to see gorillas about the local culture and history. He has been a visiting lecturer at National University of Rwanda, teaching in both environmental law and conservation policy and law. He also has taught tourism and ecotourism management. This year he also launched his own eco-tourism company, which offers environmentally responsible safaris. The company is structured to directly benefit the local community and to provide incentives for conservation in the community. This program is co-sponsored by Redlands Environmental Studies, Center for Science and Mathematics, ASUR Convocations Lectures, Campus Diversity and Inclusion, College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office and Students for Environmental Action (SEA).