The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has launched an ambitious initiative to transform selected islands on Lake Kivu into a protected National Park by 2028, marking what would become Rwanda’s fifth national park and a major milestone in the country’s conservation and sustainable tourism agenda.
As part of the initiative, an RDB delegation met with the Vice Mayor for Economic Development of Karongi District, Ntakirutimana Julienne, on 29 July 2026 to present a feasibility study that will assess the potential of selected Lake Kivu islands for conservation and ecotourism development.
The study will examine the environmental, ecological, and tourism potential of the islands while identifying strategies to preserve their rich biodiversity and create sustainable economic opportunities for surrounding communities.
Lake Kivu is home to 94 mapped islands, many of which remain ecologically significant yet vulnerable to environmental degradation. According to RDB, these islands represent one of Rwanda’s most valuable natural assets, hosting diverse ecosystems that include endemic fish species, water birds, and threatened mammals. Conservation experts have identified the islands as a priority area requiring stronger protection to safeguard their unique biodiversity.
The proposed National Park aims to balance environmental conservation with responsible tourism development. Plans include the creation of birdwatching sites, nature trails, recreational and sporting facilities, golf courses, and medicinal plant gardens, all designed to attract visitors while maintaining the ecological integrity of the islands.
Beyond conservation, the project places strong emphasis on improving local livelihoods. Communities, particularly fishing families living on the inhabited islands, will be actively involved in the planning and implementation process to ensure that environmental protection goes hand in hand with sustainable economic development. Through ecotourism, employment opportunities, and community participation, the initiative seeks to create lasting benefits for local residents while preserving the natural heritage of Lake Kivu.
If successfully implemented, the Lake Kivu Islands National Park will strengthen Rwanda’s reputation as a global leader in conservation-based tourism, adding a new destination alongside the country’s existing national parks and further positioning the country as a premier ecotourism destination in Africa.
