The Virunga Massif, stretching across Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is a place of extraordinary ecological richness — home to endangered mountain gorillas, rare wildlife and vibrant cultures. Now, Red Rocks Initiative for Sustainable Development, a grassroots organisation based in Rwanda, is calling on the global community to help protect this vital region.
Founded in 2017, Red Rocks Initiative supports conservation through community-led development, blending environmental protection with empowerment programs that prioritise women, youth and vulnerable groups.
A grassroots model for global impact
“At Red Rocks Initiative, we believe that the future of the Virunga Massif lies in the strength of its people and the preservation of its natural heritage,” says Red Rocks Initiative for Sustainable Development founder Greg Bakunzi.
“This is not just a local cause — it’s a global responsibility.”
The organisation’s Virunga Massif Project is a cross-border initiative that unites communities through shared stewardship of the land. By training locals in sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism, craft-making and green entrepreneurship, Red Rocks is building a conservation economy that benefits both people and planet.
Where community and conservation meet
Key programs driving change on the ground include:
- Cash for Work Scheme – offering paid roles in reforestation and infrastructure to boost livelihoods and restore ecosystems
- Community empowerment in conservation – training women and youth in eco-tourism, sustainable farming and forest management
- Youth innovation and entrepreneurship – supporting green business ideas with training and seed funding
- Cultural heritage preservation – providing skills in traditional crafts like pottery, weaving and painting
- Women’s leadership initiatives – nurturing advocacy, leadership and gender equality within conservation spaces
Through these efforts, Red Rocks is helping communities across the Virunga landscape build a sustainable future — one that protects endangered wildlife, respects traditional knowledge, and offers hope through education and opportunity.
A call for partnership
Red Rocks Initiative is now seeking partners, foundations and changemakers to join its mission. Supporting this work means investing in one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots — and the people who have lived alongside it for generations.
