The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has bestowed a prestigious honor upon Rwanda by adding Nyungwe National Park to its illustrious World Heritage List. This historic recognition was granted during the ongoing 45th UNESCO summit held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Rwanda was represented by Dr. Jean Damascene Bizimana, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement from Minubumwe.

Nyungwe National Park now holds the distinction of being the first site in Rwanda to earn a place on the coveted World Heritage List. This momentous achievement is poised to catapult the park to international fame and serve as a testament to Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to conservation.

UNESCO, guided by its mandate to encourage the identification, protection, and preservation of cultural and natural heritage of exceptional value to humanity, has enshrined this mission in the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted in 1972. World Heritage Sites are landmarks afforded legal protection under an international convention administered by UNESCO. These sites are recognized for their profound cultural, historical, scientific, or other forms of significance.

As of September 2023, UNESCO has meticulously documented a total of 1,172 World Heritage Sites across 166 countries. These sites encompass 913 cultural, 220 natural, and 39 mixed properties. Italy currently leads the list with an impressive 58 sites, followed closely by China with 57 sites, and Germany with 52 sites. In Africa, UNESCO has recognized 147 sites across 46 countries, with East Africa boasting more than ten of these remarkable destinations.

Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park has now rightfully taken its place among these esteemed sites, contributing to the global tapestry of natural and cultural treasures.