The Forest of Hope Association is a non-governmental organization in the Gishwati National Park, Rwanda, that works to habituate activities of chimpanzees living in the Gishwati forest, familiarize them with the presence of humans (tourists), promotes ecotourism activities (such as chimpanzee viewing) as a way of generating an economic incentive to protect these primates and their habitat, and continues developing the forest restoration efforts of the organization. I will assess their effectiveness by the following activities.
Observation and following up on chimpanzees’ dietary and habitat preferences on native plants, for this information to be used in the design of the upcoming forest restoration initiatives of the organization.
Conversations with the organization's trackers and surrounding communities about their socio-cultural perceptions of the Gishwati National Park’s primates and the restoration efforts of the Forest of Hope Association.
Writing the story of the organization and its restoration efforts, as both a successful restoration case study and a written deliverable to disseminate its actions and path, hopefully attracting more tourists and public recognition in the foreseeable future.