This morning, Claver Ntoyinkima is dressed in his park guide attire. With sturdy boots on his feet and binoculars hanging around his neck, he leads a group along the winding trails of Nyungwe National Park, 200 kilometers from Rwanda’s capital, Kigali. Behind him, a group of eager tourists listens intently for the call of every bird. Amid steep descents and strenuous climbs, the trails reveal sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The crisp air from the park’s towering trees refreshes every step, while occasional bursts of birdsong add a lively rhythm to the otherwise serene environment. Mr. Ntoyinkima says, “Since I was young, I’ve felt a deep connection to biodiversity. I’ve strengthened that bond through the conservation projects I’ve taken part in.” Today, Mr. Ntoyinkima raises awareness among Nyungwe community members about wildlife and plant conservation.
At 52 years old, Mr. Ntoyinkima has dedicated the past 25 years to protecting nature. Growing up near Nyungwe National Park, he developed a passion for biodiversity by following in the footsteps of his older brother, who worked in the park. In 2009, he joined the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Nyungwe Conservation Project, a community-based initiative focused on preserving the park’s biodiversity. Starting out as a temporary trainer, he eventually became a full-time park guide. Mr. Ntoyinkima explains that he has worked closely with local communities, encouraging them to abandon poaching and recognize the value of protecting the park’s natural wealth—while also introducing them to more sustainable and profitable alternatives. He says, “If local residents aren’t made aware, all efforts are in vain.”
Mr. Ntoyinkima supports them in joining cooperatives where they learn alternative trades. Some become guides or porters for tourists, while others make and sell handicrafts to visitors. These former poachers also learn the value of the plant and animal species in the park, the dangers of their destruction, and the legal consequences of engaging in poaching.
Édouard Bakundukize, a former poacher aged 61, shares that he used to set traps and dig illegally for minerals in the park. In 2010, he participated in awareness-raising activities on park protection. Thanks to the program, poachers and their families received goats to help them transition to new livelihoods. At that time, 241 former poachers—including hunters, miners, and trap setters—joined the initiative. Mr. Bakundukize says, “Today, I raise goats and farm my land. I earn an honest, stable, and legal living.” He grows bananas, some of which he consumes, and some he sells at the market. Although he doesn’t necessarily earn more than before, he is satisfied with his new lifestyle, as it brings him security, peace of mind, and a sense of contributing to a greater cause. He advises other poachers: “Protecting wildlife and plants means protecting all of our futures.”
Mr. Bakundukize is now firmly convinced of the need to protect biodiversity. He says, “I could never cut down a tree or kill an animal again. If I see someone doing it, I report them to the authorities immediately.”
Lazare Nteziryimana, 48, is another former poacher. He recounts starting poaching in 1985, following his father’s example. In 2010, he attended awareness sessions on preserving the park, which led him to give up poaching. He joined a conservation club and now sees wild animals as a national treasure that attracts tourists and generates income for the entire local community. He says, “Killing an animal deprives the country of a tourist—and therefore of foreign currency.”
Today, Mr. Nteziryimana makes a living from farming, livestock, and beekeeping. He produces goods like honey, which he sells to tourists. He encourages those who are hesitant to turn toward sustainable alternatives and to protect the park.
Protais Niyigaba, the park manager, confirms that thanks to Claver’s efforts, many former conservation club members have become forest rangers and guides. His work has helped reduce poaching and strengthen coexistence between residents and the park.
Today, nearly 500 former poachers are involved in protecting the park—as guides, porters, or trail maintenance workers. In addition, the Rwanda Development Board allocates 10% of the tourism revenue from parks to nearby communities. This helps them build community infrastructure such as schools and health clinics.
Mr. Ntoyinkima is proud of his work. He concludes: “Every reformed poacher, every protected animal, every conservation effort paves the way to a future where nature and humanity live in harmony.”
