Source: Japhe, Brad. "Volcanoes Safaris Was the First to Bring International Travelers to Rwanda’s Gorillas — Here’s Why It’s Still the Best." Travel + Leisure. August 23, 2024.

Main Themes:

• Sustainable tourism: Balancing the economic benefits of tourism with the protection of endangered species and local communities.
• Community engagement: Involving and empowering local populations in tourism ventures.
• Conservation efforts: Protecting endangered species, such as gorillas and chimpanzees, and their habitats.

Key Ideas/Facts:

• Volcanoes Safaris is a pioneering safari company founded by Praveen Moman that focuses on responsible tourism centered around gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda.
• The company distinguishes itself by its commitment to sustainability and community engagement, setting an example for ethical wildlife tourism.
• Over-tourism poses a threat: While gorilla tourism is popular, uncontrolled growth can negatively impact local communities and ecosystems.
• Volcanoes Safaris addresses this through:Employing local workforce at above-market rates.
• Utilizing locally sourced materials and eco-friendly technologies in its lodges.
• Partnering with the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust to fund infrastructure projects like water tanks, road improvements, and solar energy in surrounding villages.
• Conservation is central to their model: This involves:
• Establishing buffer zones around habitats to protect wildlife.
• Collaborating with organizations like the Jane Goodall Institute to safeguard primate populations.
• Supporting local artists through partnerships like the one with the Rwenzori Sculpture Foundation.
• Luxury and sustainability are not mutually exclusive: Volcanoes Safaris demonstrates this through its high-end lodges that prioritize local materials, employ local workforce, and contribute to conservation efforts.

Key Quotes:

• "We believe that responsible tourism can be a powerful force for positive change. We are proud to support the communities and habitats that make gorilla trekking experiences possible.” - Praveen Moman
• "Volcanoes Safaris is the pioneer of great ape tourism in East Africa and, for the last 25 years, has been solely focused on providing the premier gorilla and chimpanzee trekking experience. But that’s all pretty hollow if we’re not providing social support for local communities.” - Praveen Moman

Overall, the article highlights Volcanoes Safaris as a model for responsible tourism that prioritizes community engagement and conservation, proving that a profitable tourism industry can coexist with and actively contribute to the well-being of local communities and ecosystems.

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