Olivier Nsengimana

Olivier harmoniously blends African cultural heritage and ecological wisdom, transforming conservation into a deeply personal and communal commitment. By tapping into the profound connection between people and nature in African societies, he’s spearheading a standard that seamlessly unites top-down policies with bottom-up community-driven initiatives. Drawing from the Rwandan proverb "three stones are required to have a pot standing," symbolizing unity, this model revolutionizes communities’ relationship with conservation emphasizing collective responsibility and harmonious coexistence.

Olivier is the founder of Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA). His journey began as a field veterinarian for the gorilla doctors, where he was immediately inspired to continue in the field of conservation yet realized that there were many, often smaller species, in Rwanda that were also under threat. His affection for Grey Crowned Cranes and the realization of their endangerment, ignited a revelation that conservation must encompass not just one species but also a coexisting, nature-appreciating environment similar to the days when harmony with nature was paramount; something his grandmother had taught him.

Olivier’s citizen conservation model harmonizes economics and ecology, a journey that started with tracing crane movement patterns to foster ecosystems along their routes. This strategy seamlessly merges top-down and bottom-up approaches, engaging stakeholders from local communities to policymakers. Rooted in African culture, he transforms conservation from distant efforts to a shared, personal commitment by delving into the cultural significance of nature thus bridging gaps between conservation and community. By linking cultural beliefs like totems to environmental preservation, he exemplifies the inseparable bond between people and nature, a cornerstone in many African societies. For instance, harming a clan’s totem animal was equated to harming a person from that clan, exemplifying the inseparable link between people and nature embedded in African culture.

Olivier challenges the limitations of conventional community engagement in conservation. While existing approaches involve communities, they often remain short-lived due to their top-down nature. This sometimes fosters a sense of detachment and disconnect among the community. He addresses this flaw by fostering authentic collaboration. Local communities are empowered not just as participants, but as committed guardians and stewards offering insights and driving ideas that are rooted in their unique cultural roles and perspectives. The transformation of former poachers into conservationists is a true testament to the model’s success as their knowledge guides conservation efforts. Notably, economic sustainability is organically integrated through activities like ecotourism and seed sales both deriving from the community’s cultural practices. This approach thus redefines community-driven conservation, leading to enduring impact, meaningful participation and cross-border cooperation that is poised to revolutionize the conservation landscape.

Rwanda, a nation navigating post-genocide recovery, faces a distinctive conservation challenge shaped by its landscape and history as well as the challenge of a growing population. The country’s limited cultivatable land enhances the prioritization of economic revival and rebuilding of the nation. With poverty as a prevalent concern, the immediate focus for many lies in basic survival and uplifting their families. Against this backdrop, the cause of conservation must compete with other priorities. This surge places additional pressure on the wetlands that span 10.6% of the country’s surface, as they face the threat of degradation and unsustainable use. An alarming example lies in the case of Rugezi Marsh. In the 2000’s the cultivation of the marsh led to a reduction in water levels in the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera. This, in turn, disrupted the nearby hydroelectric plant impacting the country’s power supply, highlighting the interconnectedness of nature. The loss of certain species reinforces the urgency of conservation efforts. An example is the Grey Crowned Crane, a symbol of Rwanda’s natural heritage, which is listed as endangered due to habitat loss and degradation. Species like the Sitatunga antelope, endemic Rwandan birds, and other unique wildlife face a similar plight. Their decline serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance that must be struck to safeguard both the species and their habitats.

The laws within Rwanda’s framework targeted at addressing this challenge are notable yet resources continue to be limited to enforce them. The work requires a nuanced understanding of ecological systems, economic factors, and the intricate interplay between humans and their environment which is often not fully captured in the policies. Limited financial resources and lack of the necessary enforcement mechanisms can sometimes result in the ambitious conservation goals remaining unrealized. Additionally, there can be limited awareness from those who uphold these laws including local leaders, police, magistrates, and other law enforcers, showing the necessity for in-depth training to effectively enforce them.

Economic constraints in these communities further compound the issue. Poverty dictates that immediate survival takes precedence over abstract promises of long-term environmental benefits. When daily sustenance depends on clearing land for agriculture or extracting resources, the urgency to meet immediate needs overshadows any potential for long-term conservation efforts. The conflict between providing for today and safeguarding the environment for tomorrow becomes stark.

Olivier’s conservation model embedded in ‘every species counts finds its roots deep within ancestral African cultural knowledge. By recognizing the profound wealth of community knowledge born from generations of coexisting with nature, he taps into the cultural significance of nature within these communities, using their rich heritage, history, norms, and folklore. This reignited their inner understanding of the importance of protecting the natural ecosystems and transformed conservation into a personal and cultural endeavor. African folklores about nature and the wisdom they impart became the cornerstones of Olivier’s strategy, bridging the gap between past traditions and modern conservation efforts, while strengthening the enduring link between culture and the environment.

Drawing inspiration from ancestral African cultural knowledge, Olivier actively involves local communities, recognizing the profound wealth of their traditional knowledge shaped by generations coexisting with nature. Olivier collects invaluable information from the community, ranging from insights into crane movement patterns to intricate details about indigenous trees. This participatory approach taps into the cultural significance of nature within these communities, integrating their rich heritage, history, norms, and folklore into the conservation fabric. Importantly, Olivier envisions the integration of these community insights into scientific publications, exemplifying a pioneering approach that combines qualitative traditional knowledge with quantitative data. By documenting and preserving Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) related to crane movement patterns and indigenous trees, Olivier seamlessly blends historical traditions with modern conservation, fostering a strong cultural-environmental connection. This integration enhances the efficacy and sustainability of conservation practices, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in addressing environmental challenges comprehensively. Consequently, interactions with community members give rise to innovative ideas and collaborative conservation initiatives, empowering the community to spearhead both sustainable living and enduring conservation practices.

Olivier has been able to deeply engage grassroots communities through different ways and tools. This empowerment unfolds through diverse roles: community rangers, Community Conservation Champions, guides, and even seedling nurturers, all emerging from within the community. Olivier took their traditional custodial role of the environment and reconceived it as a profession with diverse roles. His innovative strategy focused on creating a new profession within the community, transcending the customary custodial role. Beyond protecting wildlife, Olivier aimed to empower the community by instilling pride and a heightened sense of ownership in safeguarding their environment. The shift from custodianship to a respected profession entails going beyond conventional conservation practices by recognizing the community's integral role in environmental stewardship.




The provision of salaries, and uniforms, as well as bicycles, smart phones and family health insurance becomes a strategic tool in this transformative process. For example, poachers’ transformation into conservationists is a testament to their unparalleled understanding of the land, instilling them with pride and reverence for the animals they once targeted. In this sense, salaries and uniforms are not only material benefits; it's a deliberate effort to invest in the community's potential. Salaries serve as a recognition of their valuable contribution, while uniforms symbolize a shared identity and commitment to their newfound profession.

Olivier deftly interweaves economic sustainability by enabling income-generating opportunities, such as tourism to witness magnificent birds, seedling champions selling their nurtured seeds, and sharing data through smartphones and an app. This data becomes a policy-shaping force that fosters a heightened appreciation for conservation’s economic value and consequently, its unwavering focus. As the shadows of economic hardships recede, once-constrained habitats are safeguarded by a community now proud to be a solution speaking the language of culture instead of impersonal entities.
RWCA is also pioneering the transformational concept of "Conservation Agreements" integrated into habitat restoration engaging local communities in payment for ecosystem services. Olivier is creating new relationships by bringing together companies keen on offsetting their carbon footprints and local communities who commit to nurturing trees and safeguarding the land in exchange for a modest stipend. Presently boasting over 200 Community Conservation Champions, the model’s triumphs were magnified during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The communities, applying their teachings independently when other RWCA staff and were stuck in the capital city due to lockdowns, displayed remarkable resilience, rescuing animals ensnared and curbing deforestation even amidst adversity. The impact ripples further as these Community Conservation Champions orchestrate weekly gatherings, disseminating awareness throughout their villages. This grassroots movement transcends borders, working with other conservation organizations to train counterparts in neighboring Tanzania and Uganda.

Under Olivier’s leadership, community conservation champions have notably lessened environmental harm. They registered 319 Grey Crowned Cranes in Rwanda that were being kept in captivity in people’s gardens and hotels as part of the illegal pet trade. RWCA collaborated closely with the government, launching a media campaign, and an amnesty program to declare captive cranes. All captive cranes were registered, assessed for health, and given numbered leg bands. This resulted in the liberation of 242 cranes, 166 of which were reintroduced to Akagera National Park and the remaining being cared for and rehabilitated in a restored wetland area called Umusambi Village. The community conservation champions’ influence extends further, evidenced by the successful census of Grey Crowned Cranes. In 2017, Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association conducted the first-ever national crane census, providing a baseline for population tracking. Subsequent annual censuses demonstrated a remarkable upsurge in numbers, from 487 in 2017 to an impressive 1,216 in 2023. Moreover, collaboration with neighboring countries has begun to monitor cranes that move between borders ensuring a collaborative approach to their protection.

These achievements are accompanied by proactive educational initiatives, including engaging school children with tools such as a captivating comic book that imparts vital conservation values. Youth environmental clubs that have been established in local communities also play a pivotal role, fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership among the young generation. These clubs engage in interactive activities such as habitat protection, tree planting, and awareness creation. So far, RWCA’s educational programs have reached over 24,000 primary school children, positively impacting their attitudes toward wildlife protection.

In addition to this bottom-up approach, Olivier recognizes the importance of engaging all the critical stakeholders to address the layered policy challenges. He understood that one key hurdle lay in the existing gaps within the legal framework, hindering effective implementation. Through his visionary approach, Olivier worked in collaboration with the Rwandan government to orchestrate an annual symposium that convened an array of stakeholders to address the issue of Illegal Wildlife Trafficking – from Rwanda National Police, Border Control Officials, and Wildlife Crime Department members, along with prosecutors, members of the judiciary, journalists, and representatives from both national and international environmental organizations. Fostering collaborative dialogue that rallied together these diverse stakeholders, he sought to bring to the fore a collective sense of responsibility and ownership over conservation efforts. These symposiums have served as a vessel for unveiling the gaps in the prevailing legal mechanisms, a forum for continued dialogue to ensure up-to-date measures are effected, and a convergence for coordinating efforts among all the stakeholders who have collective ownership of the conservation efforts. By consistently nurturing these symposiums as an annual platform, Olivier not only initiated a paradigm shift in stakeholder coordination but also cultivated an environment where technical expertise and shared insights could flourish, resulting in the robust transformation of conservation strategies.

The symposium has grown from 80 participants in 2017 to an expected 400 this year. Besides the biodiversity law, the creation of the National Committee for Combatting Illegal Wildlife Trafficking was a significant outcome. This committee coordinates efforts against the illegal wildlife trade, safeguards endangered species, conserves biodiversity, and promotes international collaboration. Currently, Olivier is advocating to increase the protection status of Rugezi Marsh. A unique, high altitude peat land, Rugezi Marsh is designated as a Ramsar site of international importance, and it hosts over 180 bird species and diverse plants, contributing to conservation, water management, and community well-being. Increasing its protection status would help improve legal protection, sustain biodiversity, support local livelihoods, and enable responsible tourism. Olivier aims to expand the symposium participation regionally, uniting East African countries for impactful conservation efforts. His focus lies in crafting cross-border agreements that transcend boundaries, safeguarding nature across the region.

Olivier was born and raised in Rwanda’s Southern Province. He was the firstborn in his family and enjoyed a strong sense of community. In the traditional setting he grew up in children belonged to the whole village, sharing meals and experiences with neighbors and friends. Olivier’s parents instilled in him a deep appreciation for education. As a child, Olivier maintained a curiosity for nature, exploring the outdoors, climbing trees, and learning about animals and their habitats through first-hand experiences and storytelling. His connection to the natural world and the stories he heard from his grandmother shaped his understanding of coexistence and respect for nature and animals.

In 1994, when Olivier was around the age of nine, Rwanda was faced with the horrors of the genocide against the Tutsi which led to the loss of about one million lives. As Rwanda sought to recover from the genocide, the challenging process of healing and rebuilding the country began. Olivier’s experience at this time profoundly shaped his outlook on the rest of his life.
When Olivier returned to school, his path was shaped by President Kagame’s speech on how every Rwandan has a role to play in rebuilding Rwanda. While his early aspirations leaned toward medicine as he wanted to be part of the country’s healing, his university journey led him to veterinary studies. This fueled his dedication to conservation and after he finished his studies, he joined the Gorilla Doctors as a field veterinarian. It was during his time that he discovered the dwindling numbers of the Grey Crowned Crane, a bird he had learnt a lot about from his grandmother’s tales and whose dances he enjoyed when he was a boy collecting water from the wetlands near his house. He became deeply concerned about their endangerment and recognized the need for focused efforts on these birds. Olivier shifted his focus from gorillas, which already had a great network of support, to the vulnerable cranes and took action, as a way to play a role in the rebuilding of his country.

Realizing that a significant number of these birds were kept as pets in homes and on display in hotels, he observed that this practice unintentionally harmed their breeding and overall well-being due to confinement. He also noted the birds’ inherent ability to thrive in the wild, paired with a widespread lack of awareness about the negative consequences of captive care and the fact that it is illegal in Rwanda to keep wild animals in captivity. Despite the genuine affection people held for these birds, unintentional harm was being caused through stress, and practices such as wing-clipping.

Initiating a nationwide campaign, he employed strategic radio platforms and interviews to illuminate the detrimental practices involved. His personal touch was evident in openly sharing his contact details on air, encouraging those who encountered or kept these birds to reach out for rescue. This approach not only raised awareness but also revealed a shared community affection for these creatures. This revelation highlighted the potential for transformative change through education and cultural evolution. Guided by this insight, his comprehensive model encompassed habitat restoration, reduced trafficking, and forest preservation, all anchored in a potent fusion of comprehension and cultural reverence.

Exhibiting exceptional courage, Olivier undertook the formidable task of liberating cranes from captivity, even when their owners included important wealthy people. This experience crystallized his realization that systemic change was imperative. Based on the conviction that knowledge and harmony were pivotal, he pivoted his focus towards education and awareness. By fostering a deep understanding of nature’s importance within local communities, he aimed to address the underlying causes of conservation challenges.

Olivier’s passion extends to training local veterinarians, empowering them to provide home-grown solutions to Rwanda’s conservation challenges. His resounding success resonated with the idea that not all conservation challenges necessitate external intervention. With an unyielding love for his homeland, Olivier embodies the spirit of an African conservationist who champions the resurgence of coexistence between people and nature, echoing the cultural harmony of the past to reshape the future landscape of conservation.