Tourism cooperation central to Rwanda–DRC peace deal
Rwanda and the DRC have made joint tourism and conservation a pillar of their 4 December peace deal through the US‑backed Regional Economic Integration Framework. The plan focuses on coordinated management of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the DRC, positioning the Greater Virunga Landscape – which also includes Uganda’s Bwindi – as a unified, world‑class ecotourism destination for viewing mountain gorillas.
The REIF outlines a three‑phase programme: bolster transboundary conservation, security and joint biodiversity monitoring; establish a bilateral commission to align standards, pricing and revenue‑sharing, invest in infrastructure and create a joint visa for park visitors; and work with experienced operators on a harmonised strategy, joint marketing and trade‑show participation. Communities are to benefit through jobs and equitable revenue sharing, with cooperation potentially extending to Kahuzi‑Biega, Itombwe and Nyungwe.
Source: Tourism Update
