Rwandan conservationist Edwin Sabuhoro (middle) worked with former poaching communities to create a flourishing cultural village visited by tourists from all over the world.
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Sabuhoro describes the village, which was created in 2006, as "the heartbeat of the country in terms of culture."
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"The warrior dance in our culture is a very big component -- all the warriors before they go on the battlefield they had to perform a dance to the king," says Sabuhoro.
The village is a popular tourist attraction which features performances of warrior dances, traditional healers and co-operatives that make baskets.
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The conservationist grew up in Uganda after his parents fled Rwanda as refugees. His father traveled to other countries in search of work, leaving his mother to raise him and his four siblings. In 1995, his family reunited in Rwanda where a trip to the Volcanoes National Park would change everything.
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"I came to visit while a law student at the National University of Rwanda, and I felt connected to this area," said Sabuhoro. "I felt at home, I felt it. I felt this is where I belong.
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Sabuhoro completed his law degree in 2001 and then began working as a warden in Rwanda's national parks. In 2004 he was sent to the Volcanoes National Park, famed for the work of Dian Fossey with the mountain gorillas.
Courtesy MARCO LONGARI/AFP/Getty Images
Sabuhoro is now trying to take his idea further to other national parks across Africa in Uganda, Congo, Kenya and Tanzania where similar issues around poaching are causing problems.
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"If we can work together, on a regional level, continent level, we can save these species," said Sabuhoro. "Because these are the last species that we have. And as human beings we can't afford to fail the wildlife."
