We’re supporting locally-led initiatives to conserve the environment and uplift communities in the Virunga Mountains of East Africa. From organic agriculture to banana bark woven baskets, see how we’re making a difference, together.

OUR BACKGROUND

Founded in 2017, the Red Rocks Initiative for Sustainable Development empowers communities and promotes sustainable development across the Greater Virunga Massif in Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC. Focused on community-based tourism, conservation, and capacity building, we aim to balance human and environmental needs while protecting endangered gorillas and preserving biodiversity. Our programs enhance local ecosystems, foster green economies, and improve well-being. By integrating conservation with economic growth, we create sustainable models that benefit both people and nature. Join us in building a resilient, thriving future for the Greater Virunga Massif and its people.

Red Rocks Initiative for Sustainable Development is proud to acquire the Certified Gorilla Friendly® Park Edge Products Certification awarded by Wildlife Friendly Enterprise Network (WFEN), under the Certified Gorilla Friendly® Program that is implemented in close partnership with the International Gorilla Conservation Programm (IGCP), a coalition of Conservation International (CI), Fauna and
Flora International (FFI), and World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

This certification shows our commitment to mountain gorilla conservation through the use of best practices based on the Certified Gorilla Friendly® Park Edge Products standards in the production of our products and contribution to the development of robust communities adjacent to the Volcanoes National Park.

OUR WORK

OUR MISSION

Red Rocks Initiative ensures the sustainable social and economic development of communities in the Greater Virunga Mountains region by supporting community-based environmental conservation and sustainable tourism programs. We improve community livelihood through Environmental Conservation, Arts & Culture, Education, and Community Health & Security Initiatives. Our initiatives are community- and partner-driven, and we welcome a variety of collaborators and their ideas – from researchers and volunteers to artists and skilled professionals, and everyone in between.

We believe that locally-led ecotourism should benefit the Greater Virunga Mountain communities while conserving the region’s delicate environment. The success of the community and the environment are inextricably linked, and should therefore be promoted together.

OUR VALUES

Dignity & Respect: We uphold and preserve the dignity, respect, and rights of our initiative beneficiaries, particularly women and girls.
Professionalism & Integrity: Our work is carried out with professionalism and integrity by all of our members, volunteers, staff, and leadership team.
Transparency & Accountability: We are committed to transparency and accountability in our engagements with local communities, partners, and donors.
Self-actualization & Self-reliance: We promote self-actualization and self-reliance among our members and encourage every youth and woman to believe in themselves and reach their full potential.
Partnership & Collaboration: We believe that working together leads to positive outcomes and progress for individuals, families, and entire communities.
Honor & Excellence: We promote a culture of honor and excellence among our own staff and with the people and communities we serve.

GREATER VIRUNGA INITIATIVE

Our operations and initiatives reach countries surrounding the greater Virunga Massif, a region famous for its iconic mountain gorillas, spanning Rwanda, Uganda, and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We believe that fostering long-lasting, scalable, and transformative partnerships is essential to creating shared value. With this vision in mind, we invited colleagues from these countries to join the Red Rocks Initiative—a movement dedicated to empowering women and youth economically through innovative collaboration. Together, we aim to advance employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for local communities around the Virunga Massif.

We extend our gratitude to our committed members:

Gilbert Makerere from Congo, Tel: +243 997 253 080, Email: info@redrocksinitiative.org

Sheba Hanyurwa from Uganda, Tel: +256 772 435 148, Email: info@redrocksinitiative.org

Thank you for your dedication and willingness to champion the same mission across borders. Together, we are advancing community-based conservation efforts around the Virunga Massif, uplifting lives and preserving this remarkable region for future generations.