Bahizi Vianney
Human–mountain gorilla conflict and the risk of disease transmission remain significant conservation challenges for communities living around Volcanoes National Park. As human populations grow and land-use intensifies, mountain gorillas increasingly move beyond park boundaries in search of food, exposing them to dangers such as crop raiding, conflict with people, and potential exposure to human-borne diseases. At the same time, neighbouring communities face economic losses, safety concerns, and limited access to accurate conservation information. Addressing these challenges through community-led solutions is therefore a critical conservation priority.
This project aims to reduce human–gorilla conflict and disease risk through community-based monitoring, early-warning systems, and education.
Working closely with community leaders, local authorities, park management, and conservation partners, the project will establish and train a network of Community Gorilla Scouts drawn from villages bordering the park. These scouts will monitor mountain gorilla movements along known conflict hotspots, report early signs of gorilla incursions, and assist in guiding gorillas back into the park using non-invasive and wildlife-safe methods. By acting as a local first-response system, the scouts will help reduce crop losses, prevent dangerous encounters, and strengthen trust between conservation authorities and communities.
In parallel, the project will implement a targeted community education programme focused on disease prevention, hygiene in gorilla-use areas, and safe behaviour during gorilla encounters.
Educational materials will be developed in locally appropriate formats, including posters, group discussions, school outreach sessions, and village meetings. The programme will emphasize the importance of maintaining safe distances from gorillas, proper waste management, handwashing practices, and reporting sightings promptly.