Rwanda is preparing to welcome the world to Volcanoes National Park on Friday, 5 September, for the 20th anniversary of Kwita Izina, a globally celebrated ceremony where newborn mountain gorillas are given names. This year, 40 baby gorillas will officially receive their names, marking two decades of community-centred conservation that has become a model for wildlife protection worldwide.

Rooted in a centuries-old Rwandan tradition of naming children in the presence of family and friends, Kwita Izina was adopted in 2005 as a way to recognize and protect the country’s rare mountain gorillas. By giving these majestic animals names, Rwanda not only affirms their individual value but also highlights the broader effort to preserve one of the world’s most endangered species. Over the past 20 years, 397 gorillas have been named through this initiative.

The annual ceremony is more than a cultural showcase; it is a celebration of the communities, rangers, conservationists, veterinarians, and researchers who dedicate their lives to safeguarding the gorillas and their habitats. Rwanda Development Board (RDB) leaders recently visited Volcanoes Park ahead of the milestone celebration to thank rangers, trackers, and vets for their unwavering service.

This year’s prestigious list of namers reflects the global nature of the event, featuring conservationists, leaders, celebrities, and local heroes. Among them are actress and UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Michelle Yeoh Todt; Arsenal legend Mathieu Flamini; Grammy-nominated Nigerian singer Yemi Alade; PSG legend Javier Pastore; David S. Marriott, Chairman of Marriott International; Charlie Mayhew OBE, CEO of Tusk Trust; and local champions such as ranger Brenda Umutoni and researcher Leonard Nsengiyumva from the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

Beyond its symbolic meaning, Kwita Izina is a vital platform for conservation awareness and sustainable tourism. The initiative has supported Rwanda’s efforts to protect biodiversity, boost eco-tourism, and invest in local communities. With global attention fixed on the Volcanoes Park celebration, Rwanda reaffirms its role as a leader in conservation, blending cultural heritage with innovative approaches to sustainability.

As Kwita Izina turns 20, the message is clear: protecting gorillas is not just about wildlife, but about people, heritage, and the collective responsibility to safeguard nature for future generations.

Would you like me to also craft a short, emotional Facebook post to highlight this milestone for My Afrika Magazine’s audience?