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About Forest of Hope
The people and nature of Rwanda are among the most beautiful on Earth. To know how far and how recently they fell into the depths of pure ugliness provides a sobering realization of the negative potential in our human minds. Today, the leadership of one man has lifted this small, densely populated, recovering nation toward a future of peace, optimism and growing prosperity. His Excellency, Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, is working tirelessly, honestly, and compassionately to create a country of believers in national solidarity, universal education, ecological literacy and personal responsibility. The results are already generating international acclaim and admiration.
Among many remarkable examples, the Gishwati National Conservation Park epitomizes this unshakable commitment. Throughout this Web site, you will learn of Gishwati, a remnant forest nearing extinction and a family of 15 heretofore-doomed chimpanzees clinging to life, trapped within their rapidly vanishing homeland. Perhaps even more important, you will also see how the people living near this “forest of hope” have been respected, included and taken ownership of Gishwati’s rebirth as a symbol of their children’s future. Great Ape Trust is honored and humbled to have been selected as Rwanda’s chief partner for this inspiring, vital mission.
Project News
The Forest of Hope has had great success in its very brief history. This is your direct link to the latest information about the Gishwati Area Conservation Program from project coordinators in Rwanda and the United States.
Project Information
Latest Project News
- Chimpanzee population on the rise in Rwanda’s Gishwati Forest 08/02/2010
- Radia Joins Great Ape Trust Board of Directors 05/10/2010
- Another baby born to threatened chimpanzees in Rwanda’s Gishwati Forest 03/11/2010
- Rwanda to host World Environment Day; Forest of Hope among green initiatives cited 02/23/2010
- Great Ape Trust restructuring shifts focus to bonobo research, Rwanda conservation 01/28/2010
- Researchers getting the poop on poop 01/27/2010
- Rwanda’s Forest of Hope to expand by 21 percent, begin corridor for endangered chimpanzees 01/27/2010
- 'Forest of Hope' teaches Rwandan youths about great ape conservation 07/17/2009
- Great Ape Trust connects youths in Ankeny, Rwanda 04/29/2009
- Rwanda's 'Forest of Hope' has a pristine heart 03/30/2009
Project Team
The Gishwati Area Conservation Program is directed by internationally recognized scientist Dr. Benjamin Beck and is supported and managed by nearly two-dozen dedicated women and men in Rwanda and the United States.
Dr. Benjamin Beck
Noted scientist, author and conservationist, Dr. Benjamin Beck brings to Great Ape Trust a distinguished record in primatology and the study of animal cognition. The former associate director at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, DC, is director of conservation at Great Ape Trust.
Dr. Rebecca Chancellor
Dr. Rebecca Chancellor is an anthropologically trained primatologist who joined the Gishwati Area Conservation Program in 2008 when she established the chimpanzee research site in the Forest of Hope.
Ms. Madeleine Nyiratuza
A Rwandan environmentalist and educator, Madeleine Nyiratuza is the in-country director of the Gishwati Area Conservation Program.
Mr. Peter Clay
Peter Clay brings decades of experience working with captive and wild primates to his position as senior advisor for the Gishwati Area Conservation Program in Rwanda.
Mr. Nyandwi Sylvain
Rwandan Nyandwi Sylvain has been a research assistant for the chimpanzee behavioral ecology study since its inception in 2008 as part of the Giswhati Area Conservation Program.
Mr. Marshall Banamwana
A community engagement assistant, Marshall Bananwana began his association with the Gishwati Forest Reserve as a botany student at National University of Rwanda.
Forest of Hope Online Magazine
The Forest of Hope e-magazine features 32 pages filled with beautiful photographs and captivating articles about a unique and ambitious forest restoration chimpanzee conservation effort in Rwanda.
Chimpanzee Cam
The "Chimpanzee Cam," a ground-level camera trap, allows researchers with the Gishwati Area Conservation Program’s chimpanzee ecology study to unobtrusively monitor the apes’ activity. Remote monitoring doesn’t replace personal observation, but allows researchers to study them without having to habituate them to the presence of human observers, a long and laborious process that could build an unwarranted level of trust by apes in humans.
New Chimpanzee Cam video
Watch the Gishwati chimpanzees via the "Chimpanzee Cam," which gives researchers unedited glimpses into the apes daily lives.
Getting to know the Gishwati chimpanzees
Researchers studying the 14 Gishwati chimpanzees are using a "Chimpanzee Cam" to identify the individuals and learn more about their social relationships. See the slide show.
Photo Gallery
Stunning photographs capture the spirit of Rwandans, the beauty of the Forest of Hope and the chimpanzees who live there on the brink of extinction.
Rebecca Chancellor in Rwanda
Great Ape Trust team visits mountain gorillas in Rwanda
Gishwati area visitors learn more about Rwanda National Conservation Park
Forest of Hope
Land of a Thousand Hills
Forest's Future in Good Hands
Faces of Rwanda
Akagera National Park
Gishwati Forest selected as site for Rwanda National Conservation Park
The Heart of the Forest
Chimpanzees of Gishwati
Video Gallery
Learn about one of the most ambitious conservation efforts in Africa, track chimpanzees in the Forest of Hope with our scientific team and enjoy an inspiring tribute to the Gishwati Forest by Rwanda school children.
Support Rwanda's
Forest of Hope
Support a unique and ambitious conservation effort in Africa.
