THE RED ROCKS MODEL

INTEGRATING CONSERVATION AND CLIMATE LEADERSHIP INTO THE VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK LANDSCAPES

A story of people, nature and resilience

by Gregory Bakunzi

Community Conservation Journey

• I am a Rwandese living near the Volcanoes National Park, with over 20 years of experience as a guide, tour organizer, and founder of community-based initiatives linking tourism, conservation, and local livelihoods.
• Raised in a rural community dependent on nature, I witnessed both the importance of protected areas and the exclusion of local people from their benefits. This shaped my belief that conservation must include people, not separate them from nature.

My interest in conservation was driven by key contradictions:

• Communities living near volcanoes national park remained poor
• Wildlife was protected while people struggled
• Tourism grew, but benefits did not reach everyone

I realized that conservation can only succeed when:

• Communities benefit economically
• Local knowledge is respected
• People feel ownership

The Volcanoes National Park Frontline

The Musanze region

• The Park is home to endangered mountain gorillas and other forest dwelling primate and wildlife
• 70% depend on agriculture, Inconsistent rainfall, soil erosion and habit loss threaten both the people and wildlife.

Our Mission

• Promoting cultural tourism as a driver of climate resilience and human dignity.

The Red Rocks Ecosystem Model

A Tripartite Approach:

Red Rocks Initiative (NGO)

Community programs and conservation research.

Red Rocks CBC:

Authentic community-based tourism & workshops.

Amahoro Tours:

Professional marketing and global market access.

Impact Goal:

Creating 200+ sustainable jobs for women and youth by end of 2027.

Climate Leadership

• Mitigation: Carbon repossession through reforestation.
• Adaptation: Climate-smart agriculture and landslide prevention.
• Resilience: Renewable energy (Biogas) to reduce deforestation.
• Equity: Integrating women and youth into the tourism supply chain.

Innovation – The Igihoho Project

Problem: Plastic waste from traditional tree nurseries.

Solution: “Igihoho” Biodegradable seed bags made from banana bark.

Benefits: Better root development, nutrient release upon decomposition, and 100% plastic-free.

Success: 20,000+ trees planted

Bamboo for Climate Action

Carbon Sink: Bamboo trees absorbs high level of carbon.

Ecological Buffer: Provides alternative forage for wildlife, reducing human-wildlife conflict.

Economic Utility: Sustainable material for construction and artisan crafts.

Social Equity

Dignity & Respect:

Centering marginalized voices (women and youth)

Women’s Cooperatives:

Pottery, Agaseke basket weaving make the women gain financially through our ecotourism programs

Youth skills:

Training in hospitality, languages, and environmental management.

Metric:

70% of vocational trainees are women.

Nationwide Scaling

Conclusion

• Sustainable tourism is only possible when designed with the host community.
• Conservation is a human right; business is the vehicle to secure it.
• Leave destinations stronger, greener, and more just than we found them.
• Let’s invest in community based tourism and partner for worldwide impact
• Support Climate leadership from grassroots
• Together we will protect landscapes and livelihoods

Thank you Contact information

info@redrocksinitiative.org – https://www.redrocksinitiative.org/

info@redrocksrwanda.com – https://www.redrocksrwanda.com/

info@amahoro-tours.com – https://www.amahoro-tours.com/