Strengthening Sustainable Ecotourism in and around Nyungwe National Park (SSENNP) "Nyungwe Nziza"

The program, known as "Nyungwe Nziza," is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by DAI. The program's primary objective is to develop sustainable ecotourism in and around Nyungwe National Park, which is a protected area in Rwanda. The program has made significant progress in achieving its objectives. One of the key interventions has been the development of tourism products through increased private sector participation. This has led to the creation of new tourism products, such as the Nyungwe National Park trail guides, which have been certified by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). The program has also improved marketing and promotion of Nyungwe among targeted segments, including tour operators and travel writers. Another key area of focus has been the integration of communities and the ecotourism value chain. The program has established partnerships with local communities, including the Kitabi Handicraft Women's Cooperative (KHWC) and the Cyamudongo Tourism Promotion Cooperative (CTPC). These partnerships have enabled the program to promote local products and services, such as handicrafts and traditional dances, to tourists. The program has also made significant progress in improving policy and enabling environment for ecotourism. The RDB has developed a new policy framework for ecotourism, which includes guidelines for sustainable tourism development and management. The program has also established a performance management plan, which includes indicators for measuring the program's progress and impact. In terms of financial performance, the program has made significant progress in achieving its financial objectives. The Friends of Nyungwe (FON) gross income from KCV activities increased by 25% during the quarter, while the Kitabi Cultural Village (KCV) tourist arrivals and statistics showed a 15% increase. The program has also made significant progress in promoting local products and services, with the KHWC stand at the arts and crafts PSF Exhibition generating significant interest and sales. The program has also made significant progress in promoting community-based ecotourism (CBET). The program has established partnerships with local communities, including the Kitabi College of Conservation and Environmental Management (KCCEM), which has provided training and capacity-building support to local communities. The program has also established a visitor experience model, which includes guidelines for sustainable tourism development and management. Overall, the program has made significant progress in achieving its objectives and has contributed to the development of sustainable ecotourism in and around Nyungwe National Park. The program's success has been attributed to its strong partnerships with local communities, the RDB, and other stakeholders, as well as its focus on sustainable tourism development and management.