Every year on June 5th, World Environment Day (WED) is commemorated. This year Rwanda was the host country for the commemorations. In 1972 WED was established by the United Nations General Assembly and is dedicated to appreciating and celebrating the benefits that come with raising global awareness of the environment. The remaining home range of the endangered mountain gorillas is limited to the Virunga Massif, a chain of volcanic mountains shared by Rwanda, DRC and Uganda. Rwanda is home to about one third of the 750 mountain gorillas left in the wild. The remaining population of mountain gorillas has only survived thanks to the renewed efforts of national conservation authorities and the local populations and the support they have received from the international community. Though the “official” festival has been held since 2005, the tradition of naming baby gorillas is a centuries-old tradition. Since 2005, 103 gorillas have been named, with fourteen baby mountain gorillas being named during this year’s festivities. Funds raised from the festivities have been used to build water tanks, a community center, and schools, as well as to support community programs such as an an “ex-poachers association,” according to the Rwandan Development Board. → Read More