OUR BACKGROUND

Red Rocks Initiative for Sustainable Development is an African non-governmental organization established in 2017 to enhance sustainable development in the Virunga Mountains region in East Africa.

We believe in community-driven sustainable development. Red Rocks Initiative supports locally-led environmental conservation and sustainable tourism initiatives. Our initiatives provide viable livelihoods for local communities and have the power to lift underserved communities out of poverty and instill in them a sense of purpose and pride. We rely on the expertise and commitment of both local and international partners to achieve our goals.

Red Rocks Initiative is registered as an NGO with the Rwanda Governance Board with a Certificate of Legal personality N° 765/RGB/NGO/LP/11/2021. We are also a member of the Rwanda Climate Change and Development Network and the Rwanda Environment NGO’s Forum.

Our sister organization, Red Rocks Rwanda , is a social enterprise and cultural center offering camp facilities, eco-tours, and philanthropic opportunities.

OUR MISSION

Red Rocks Initiative ensures the sustainable social and economic development of communities in the Virunga Mountains region by supporting community-based environmental conservation and sustainable tourism programs. We improve community livelihood through Environmental Conservation, Arts & Culture, Education, and Community Health & Security Initiatives. Our initiatives are community- and partner-driven, and we welcome a variety of collaborators and their ideas – from researchers and volunteers, to artists and skilled professionals, and everyone in between.

We believe that locally-led ecotourism should benefit the Virunga Mountain communities while conserving the region’s delicate environment. The success of the community and the environment are inextricably linked, and should therefore be promoted together.

OUR VALUES

Dignity & Respect: We uphold and preserve the dignity, respect, and rights of our initiative beneficiaries, particularly women and girls.
Professionalism & Integrity: Our work is carried out with professionalism and integrity by all of our members, volunteers, staff, and leadership team.
Transparency & Accountability: We are committed to transparency and accountability in our engagements with local communities, partners, and donors.
Self-actualization & Self-reliance: We promote self-actualization and self-reliance among our members and encourage every youth and woman to believe in themselves and reach their full potential.
Partnership & Collaboration: We believe that working together leads to positive outcomes and progress for individuals, families, and entire communities.
Honor & Excellence: We promote a culture of honor and excellence among our own staff and with the people and communities we serve.