Introduction

The Solidarity Fund for Environmental Conservation was created in 2001, when Eugène Rutagarama received the Goldman Award for Environmental Excellence in recognition of his work in the protected areas of Eastern DRC, South-Western Uganda, and in particular Rwanda (Statutes).

Rutagarama and some of his colleagues in Conservation initiated the Solidarity Fund to improve the welfare of his colleagues, the rangers. Guards and Guides working for the conservation of National Parks live and work in physically demanding conditions, in remote areas where social and economic opportunities are almost inaccessible, and their families have poor access to schools and health centres. Despite these disadvantages and recurrent conflicts in the region of Rwanda, Congo DRC and Uganda, the rangers continued to do a commendable and successful job in dangerous conditions.

The other group targeted by this initiative is the park staff widows, orphans and retired park rangers because their pension cannot cover their needs.