Please read the following information before leaving for your expedition.

It provides the most accurate information available and will likely answer any questions you have about the project. You may also reach out to your Program Coordinator with any questions you may have.

Wetlands, Communities, and Wildlife in Rwanda

Expedition Briefing

Download Packing List

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COVID-19 Safety

Please test for COVID-19 before traveling to your expedition; do not travel if you have tested positive, and call Earthwatch right away for the next steps. Visit earthwatch.org/covid-19 for more information on how you can help reduce the risk of COVID-19 impacting your expedition.

The Research

The Akagera National Park (ANP) in Rwanda is a conservation effort aimed at preserving the country’s unique biodiversity while recognizing the ecosystem services it provides to the people of Rwanda. Initially gazetted in 1934, in the 1990s, approximately two-thirds of the western portion of the park was degazetted to accommodate returning refugees after the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi. This resulted in the loss of key savannah habitat and water sources which supported regional mammalian migratory patterns. In fact, it is estimated that Rwanda lost nearly 90% of its wildlife between the time of civil unrest up to 2010.

The recent reintroduction of African lion and eastern black rhino, as well as their effective protection, has helped in the ongoing restoration of ANP to its historical floral and faunal diversity. Today, African Parks manages Akagera under a co-signed management agreement with the Rwandan Development Board, which helps to promote harmonious conservation and tourism.

Rwanda has strongly emphasized environmental protection and conservation, identifying nature-based tourism in the four national parks as a critical contributor to the country's GDP. However, critical decisions around continued conservation management, community engagement, and policy development require more scientific research.

Guided by a wetland, communities, and wildlife-centered approach, Earthwatch participants will support scientists' understanding and safeguarding of ecosystem diversity to promote sustainable use of natural resources through community-driven enterprise. Data gathered by participants will directly support park management decisions and future conservation efforts impacting Akagera and the broader Rwandan community.

Wetlands, Communities, and Wildlife in Rwanda

Research Aims

Utilizing a Wetland, Communities, and Wildlife (WCW) approach, this research aims to promote the conservation and sustainable development of Akagera National Park's vital landscape. Researchers will follow three main objectives:

Using a One-Health approach, scientists will use a comprehensive set of ecological indicators to assess wetland ecosystem conditions, thereby securing the transgenerational resilience of this critical conservation landscape in the face of global change.
Support community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) by assessing the potential and sustainability of existing and future biodiversity-based value chains in collaboration with Akagera Management Company, a network of community-led cooperatives dedicated to social development and enterprise around the park.
Establish a data-driven and testable baseline for Akagera National Park with direct applications for current and future management of the park's threatened terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

In the long term, this research seeks to provide valuable insights to inform conservation efforts across other African regions facing similar challenges.

Wetlands, Communities, and Wildlife in Rwanda

How You Will Help

In addition to experiencing the stunning landscape of ANP, you will have the unique opportunity to contribute directly to a variety of hands-on research projects that will advance scientific understanding and directly contribute to the park’s conservation and sustainable development goals.

Guided by scientists, participants will support hands-on activities that vary seasonally. These may include:

Conduct wildlife and vegetation transect surveys (by vehicle and on foot) to expand understanding of the area's terrestrial ecology, including bird and small mammal monitoring.
Survey fish populations to assess aquatic health and biodiversity and make recommendations for sustainable community-driven commercial fishing operations.
Assist in conducting interviews with communities adjacent to the park to assess natural resource access and conservation conflict management in community-driven cooperatives such as aquaculture, tree nurseries, mushroom farming, and more.

Wetlands, Communities, and Wildlife in Rwanda

Life in the Field

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DAILY ACTIVITIES

Weather and research needs can lead to changes in the daily schedule. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

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MONEY MATTERS

LOCAL CURRENCY: [Sample: Kenyan Shillings]

PERSONAL FUNDS: [Sample: It is recommended to convert the equivalent of 200–300 USD to Kenyan Shillings before you arrive for personal expenditures. If you plan to stay in

Nairobi, for extra days, you may need a bit more. Tipping is not required in Kenya; where it is done, it is often included in the bill. At the Kivuli Camp, several staff members will see to your food, housing, and transportation needs. At the end of the experience, you may wish to leave a gratuity for these individuals, but it is not required. Visa and Mastercard are commonly taken in Nairobi but not in rural parts where most of the project is conducted.]

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival

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Day X: Lorem

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Day X–X: Lorem

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Day X: Departure

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Wetlands, Communities, and Wildlife in Rwanda

Accommodations and Food

* Please note that not every expedition has couples’ or singles accommodations available. Please call or email Earthwatch to check for availability prior to reserving your space(s) on the team.

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SLEEPING

* Earthwatch will honor each person’s assertion of gender identity, respectfully and without judgment. For both teen and adult teams, where logistics dictate single-sex accommodations or other facilities, participant placements will be made in accordance with the gender identity the participant specified on their Earthwatch Participant form and/or preferences indicated in discussions with Earthwatch.

BATHROOMS

ELECTRICITY

PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS

Please note: Personal communication with outsiders is not always possible while participating in an expedition. Earthwatch encourages volunteers to minimize outgoing calls and immerse themselves in the experience; likewise, family and friends should restrict calls to urgent messages only.

DISTANCE TO THE FIELD SITE

FOOD AND WATER

TYPICAL MEALS

The following are examples of foods you may find in the field. Variety depends on availability. We appreciate your flexibility.

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SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

Please alert Earthwatch to any special dietary requirements (e.g., diabetes, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, nut, or other food allergies, vegetarian or vegan diets) as soon as possible, and note them in the space provided on your volunteer forms.

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Wetlands, Communities, and Wildlife in Rwanda

Project Conditions

The information that follows is as accurate as possible, but please keep in mind that conditions may change.

GENERAL CONDITIONS

For weather and region-specific information, please visit Wunderground.com and search for your project location.

Wetlands, Communities, and Wildlife in Rwanda

Essential Eligibility Requirements

All participants must be able to:

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Follow verbal and/or visual instructions independently or with the assistance of a companion.
Take an active role in your own safety by recognizing and avoiding hazards if and when they arise (including, but not limited to, those described in Earthwatch materials and safety briefings). Always comply with project staff instructions and recommended safety measures.
Be able to effectively communicate to the staff if you are experiencing distress or need assistance.
Be able to get along with a variety of people from different backgrounds and ages, often in close proximity, for the duration of your team.
Be comfortable being surrounded by a language and/or culture that is different from your own.

Wetlands, Communities, and Wildlife in Rwanda

Health and Safety

EMERGENCIES IN THE FIELD

Earthwatch has a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week emergency hotline number. Someone is always on call to respond to messages that come into our live answering service.

IMMUNIZATIONS & TRAVEL VACCINATIONS

Please be sure your routine immunizations are up to date (for example, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella) and that you have the appropriate vaccinations for your travel destination. Medical decisions are the responsibility of each volunteer and their doctor. Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization for guidance on immunizations.

If traveling from countries or regions where yellow fever is endemic, you must have a certificate of vaccination.

Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, including receiving booster doses, as applicable, is strongly encouraged.

Wetlands, Communities, and Wildlife in Rwanda

Project Risks and Precautions

TRANSPORTATION

HIKING

GETTING LOST

ANIMALS

INSECTS

CLIMATE/WEATHER

PLANTS

PROJECT TASKS/EQUIPMENT

WORKING ON A BOAT

PERSONAL SECURITY

SWIMMING

DISTANCE FROM MEDICAL CARE

DISEASE

COVID-19 DISEASE RISKS

COVID-19 remains an evolving risk to communities and individuals around the world.

Earthwatch strongly encourages you to stay up to date with your vaccinations, including receiving booster doses if available, and to continue to limit your exposure before your program, such as wearing a mask during travel and frequently washing your hands. Persons with a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should consult with their healthcare provider before participation.

If you, or another person on site, display symptoms of illness or test positive for COVID-19, you may be required to wear a mask, test for COVID-19, seek medical advice, isolate/quarantine on- or off-site, cease or limit participation in program activities, and/or take other precautions. If local conditions or recommendations from authorities change, additional requirements may be implemented.

If you must isolate or depart from a program due to COVID-19 or other illness, you will not be entitled to a refund of the contribution for the program, nor any expenses resulting from your participation in the program or a disruption of your travel plans. We strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance that will cover this eventuality.

Wetlands, Communities, and Wildlife in Rwanda

Travel Planning

RENDEZVOUS LOCATION

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Specific travel planning details will be provided in your Earthwatch Expedition Logistics Document. This document can be found in your MyEarthwatch Portal once you enroll. Please do not book travel arrangements—such as flights, until the Expedition Logistics Document matching the current year has been published to your portal account.

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

Earthwatch strongly recommends that travelers investigate their destination prior to departure. Familiarity with the destination’s entry/exit requirements, visas, local laws, and customs can go a long way to ensuring smooth travel. The U.S. Department of State's Traveler’s Checklist and Destination Guides are helpful resources. For LGBTI travelers, the U.S. Department of State's LGBTI Travelers page contains many useful tips and links.

COUNTRY AND PROJECT ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You are responsible for reviewing and abiding by your destination's entry/exit requirements.

Entry visa requirements differ by country of origin, layover, and destination and do change unexpectedly. For this reason, please confirm your visa requirements at the time of booking and again 90 days before travel. Please apply early for your visa (we recommend starting six months before the start of your expedition). Refunds will not be made for volunteers canceling due to not obtaining their visa in time to meet the team at the rendezvous. You can find up-to-date visa requirements at the following website: travisa.com.

If a visa is required, participants should apply for a TOURIST visa. Please note that obtaining a visa can take weeks or even months. We strongly recommend using a visa agency to expedite and simplify the process.

Wetlands, Communities, and Wildlife in Rwanda

Resources

ARTICLES

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BOOKS

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FIELD GUIDES

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PROJECT–RELATED WEBSITE

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LITERATURE CITED

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Wetlands, Communities, and Wildlife in Rwanda

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