Factors Contributing to the Protection of Mountain Gorillas to Promote One Health and Sustainable Tourism among Populations Interacting with Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

BAHIZI Methode; Maurice B. Silali

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i05.89229

Factors Contributing to the Protection of Mountain Gorillas to Promote One Health and Sustainable Tourism among Populations Interacting with Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Author(s)	Mr. BAHIZI Methode, Dr. Maurice B. Silali
Country	Rwanda
Abstract	Mountain gorillas are central to biodiversity conservation and high-value nature-based tourism in Rwanda, but repeated human-gorilla interaction creates public health and conservation risks that require integrated prevention. This study assessed socioeconomic, community participation, socio-cultural, and health education factors contributing to mountain gorilla protection among populations interacting with Volcanoes National Park. A cross-sectional mixed-methods approach was used. Quantitative data were collected from 406 respondents, comprising 261 residents/workers and 145 visitors, using a semi-structured questionnaire, while qualitative data were obtained through key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative analysis, and qualitative data were analyzed thematically and integrated with the survey findings. Among residents/workers, 148 (56.7%) had earned income from park or gorilla tourism in the previous 12 months, yet 39 (14.9%) reported entering the park or buffer areas for livelihood purposes. Community participation structures were present, with 142 (54.4%) belonging to conservation-related groups, but only 42 (16.1%) had personally reported illegal or risky behaviour. Positive attitudes were common, with 138 (52.9%) viewing gorillas as national heritage that should be protected. Health education reached 150 (57.5%) residents/workers and 108 (74.5%) visitors, while 349 (86.0%) respondents correctly indicated that persons with flu-like symptoms should avoid gorilla activities and report or reschedule. The findings show that protection is strengthened by visible livelihood benefits, trusted participation structures, supportive social norms, and practical preventive health communication. Coordinated action across conservation, tourism, community, and health systems is therefore important for reducing risks at the human-gorilla interface and sustaining tourism benefits.
Keywords	Community Participation, Gorilla Protection, Health Education, One Health, Sustainable Tourism, Volcanoes National Park
Field	Medical / Pharmacy
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 5, September-October 2026
Published On	2026-10-08
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i05.89229

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Factors Contributing to the Protection of Mountain Gorillas to Promote One Health and Sustainable Tourism among Populations Interacting with Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

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