Global News - January 2008

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Rwandan park set to protect chimp population

Tue 22 January 2008 13:30 UK — Africa,Primates

The Rwandan government has announced the proposed location for the country's first national conservation park.

Gishwati Forest Reserve is set to be developed into the Rwanda National Conservation Park, which will aim to boost the biodiversity of an area badly affected by deforestation, farming and human encroachment.

Much of the focus of the new space will be placed on its small, currently isolated, population of chimpanzees, with the government and its partner conservation groups hoping to boost the animals' numbers.

Patricia Hajabakiga, the Rwandan Minister of Lands, Environment, Forestry, Water and Mines, said: "The significance of this project is twofold - the restoration of forests and biodiversity in Gishwati and the improved livelihood of those people living in the region.

"This is important to Gishwati, important to Rwanda and important to the world. To see the hills of Gishwati covered with forest again will be beautiful."

The ten-year programme to develop the reserve will also look to encourage conservation of other animals, including the endangered mountain gorilla.

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