Enhancing Eastern Chimpanzee Habitat Protection through Conservation Awareness in Schools Neighboring Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Background

Eastern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) are classified as endangered. In Rwanda, their habitat in and around Gishwati-Mukura National Park has become increasingly threatened by illegal human activities, agricultural expansion, and habitat fragmentation.

This project aims to protect the endangered eastern chimpanzee population by engaging local schools and communities in conservation awareness and sustained action.

Project Overview

Roots & Shoots Rwanda is currently implementing this project in three partner schools near Gishwati-Mukura National Park:

• E.P Umubano
• G.S Bitenga B
• G.S Nyabirasi TSS

The project began in December 2024 with training sessions to inspire volunteers and facilitators to become conservation ambassadors within their schools and communities.

Our Activities

School Environmental Clubs

Establishing and strengthening Roots & Shoots clubs in partner schools with over 400 student members, mentored by 7+ volunteers and 12+ club facilitators — creating a sustained network of young conservation leaders.

Training and Capacity Building

Providing conservation education and leadership training for students, teachers, and community volunteers to build their capacity as environmental stewards and community advocates.

Awareness Campaigns

Conducting community outreach on the importance of chimpanzee conservation and sustainable land use practices in the Gishwati-Mukura buffer zones, reaching thousands of households indirectly.

Tree Planting

Implementing agroforestry and native tree planting initiatives to restore habitat corridors. To date, over 5,000 trees have been planted including indigenous, fruit, and agroforestry species — directly supporting biodiversity and climate action.

Citizen Science and Monitoring

Engaging students in observation activities and data collection that contribute to broader conservation monitoring efforts in and around the national park.

Our Impact

By engaging young people as conservation ambassadors, this project creates a ripple effect of awareness and action throughout surrounding communities. Students carry messages of conservation to their families and neighborhoods, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship that benefits both chimpanzees and people alike.

The project directly supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Partnership

This project is implemented with support from the Rwanda Development Board and local education authorities, ensuring alignment with national conservation priorities and educational goals.