Miss Environment Africa Judith Heard is a Ugandan born international model with Rwandan lineage (from the father’s side) is on a roll.
Who Is Judith Heard?
This time, the multi-award winning tourism enthusiast is channeling her celebrity focus to advocacy for conservation of animal species. The case in point this time is Gorillas across East Africa. With diverse partners, she curates and documents magnificent travel destinations.
‘’It is out of this work, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has invited Judith Heard in capacity of Miss Environment Africa, to officiate the 18th edition of Kwita Izina. It is annual state Gorilla Naming ceremony which will happen on Friday 2nd September 2022. This will happen at the foothills of the Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi in Musanze District.
What Is Kwita Izina?
Kwita Izina is a centuries old Rwandan tradition of giving a name to a new born baby. Rwanda celebrates new births of the rare mountain gorillas through naming. ’’ Muhumuza of Bryan Morel Publications (currently in Kigali, Rwanda) confirmed this recognition awaiting Judith on Friday.
During these numerous ecological and environmental initiatives in Rwanda this weekend, other distinguished individuals will join Judith Heard. These are from all over the world. They include state representatives, environmental leaders, educators, public health advocates, artistes and sports figures.
What Is Judith Heard Doing In Rwanda?
Kwita Izina’s aim is celebrating the country’s dedication to responsible and sustainable tourism. The initiative is uniting research partners, vets, conservationists, rangers and trackers who preserve the gorillas. Over the last fifteen years, more than 300 mountain gorillas have received names. Today Kwita Izina forms part of an ambitious strategy to preserve our natural heritage and further expand the role of tourism in our country’s transformation. As a result of the naming ceremony, Rwandans from all walks of life understand the intrinsic value of gorillas. They also grasp their contribution to the country’s economic prosperity.
Rwandans have become gorilla guardians. Overall, Rwanda has turned into a conservation and sustainable tourism leader on the continent. For instance, while in the 2010 Census, there were 480 mountain gorillas. The 2016 Census report indicated 604 individuals in the Virunga Massif. These efforts have contributed to the increase in the number of mountain gorillas worldwide (1,004), and categorized as no longer critically endangered.
