When you support the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA), you’re helping to protect and restore Rwanda’s most threatened wildlife and wild places with home-grown, lasting solutions.
The Grey Crowned Crane—celebrated as a symbol of longevity—has faced steep declines in Rwanda due to habitat loss and illegal trade. Since 2015, RWCA has worked to reverse this trend by rescuing cranes from captivity, returning them to the wild, restoring wetlands, and partnering with local communities to build awareness and stewardship.
Founded and led by Rwandan wildlife veterinarian Dr. Olivier Nsengimana, RWCA empowers Rwandans to take pride in their wildlife. With a dedicated, multidisciplinary team, RWCA develops sustainable solutions to some of the region’s most urgent conservation challenges.
Protect Cranes
With WCN’s 100% model, your entire gift supports the conservationists working to protect grey crowned cranes in the wild.
Grey Crowned Cranes:
Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA)
Choose an amount to donate:
1,245
Gray Crowned Cranes Monitors
The team monitors and protects a populations of 1,245 cranes.
991
Women Empowered
Through various empowerment programs such a basket weaving, which provides training in weaving and other crafts that can be provide alternative livelihoods.
20,374
Community Members Reached
Reached by RWCA’s community awareness campaigns.
Solutions in Action
Thriving Wildlife
Combating Wildlife Crime
In 2014, there were more grey crowned cranes in captivity in Rwanda than in the wild. So RWCA’s initial goal was to end the illegal trade through a national media campaign and a temporary amnesty for people to return their captive cranes. RWCA then rehabilitated and reintroduced those cranes to the wild. RWCA, in collaboration with the government, has since removed all grey crowned cranes from captivity, rescuing over 250 cranes.
Thriving People
Expanding Education
In 2014, there were more grey crowned cranes in captivity in Rwanda than in the wild. So RWCA’s initial goal was to end the illegal trade through a national media campaign and a temporary amnesty for people to return their captive cranes. RWCA then rehabilitated and reintroduced those cranes to the wild. RWCA, in collaboration with the government, has since removed all grey crowned cranes from captivity, rescuing over 250 cranes.
Thriving Wildlife & People
Reducing Conflict
RWCA has established a network of Marsh Rangers and Community Conservation Champions at different biodiversity hotspots around Rwanda. These teams have reached thousands of Rwandans, collaborating with land owners, farmers, and community leaders to ensure the cranes are protected and key conservation messages are understood within communities while also addressing people’s challenges related to poverty and land use.
Quote“It is a huge strength when we pull together in our efforts to save our planet. It is not going to be a one-person mission; it is going to be everyone’s mission to save our species, our whole planet.”
Dr. Olivier Nsengimana, Founder & Executive Director Organization Name
