Dr. Yin Ye, Chief Executive Officer of BGI Group, became the first Chinese guest to take part in Rwanda’s iconic 20th Annual Mountain Gorilla Naming Ceremony, Kwita Izina 20, marking a historic moment in the country’s conservation journey.
The globally celebrated event, held in Kinigi near Volcanoes National Park, is a cornerstone of Rwanda’s efforts to protect the critically endangered mountain gorillas, whose population is estimated at around 1,000 worldwide.
Dressed in traditional Rwandan attire, Dr. Yin Ye named a baby girl gorilla born on December 24, 2023, “TEKANA,” which means “Feel Secure” in Kinyarwanda. Explaining the choice, Dr. Yin said:
“This name reflects our shared aspiration for life and harmony. BGI has already provided 20,000 HPV tests to Rwanda to support efforts in eliminating cervical cancer, bringing health and reassurance to local women.
Similarly, I personally pledge to donate whole-genome sequencing for every mountain gorilla in Rwanda, creating unique genetic IDs to provide the strongest scientific foundation for protecting this rare species.”
He added that the ceremony is more than a tradition: “This is not just a naming ceremony; it is a commitment to safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring that future generations inherit a better world.”
Dr. Yin was part of an international delegation of 40 distinguished guests, including royalty, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, environmentalists, and celebrities. Among them was renowned Chinese wildlife photographer Xi Zhinong, who joined the event to spotlight the global importance of gorilla conservation.
The ceremony was graced by Rwandan Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva and First Lady Jeannette Kagame, reflecting the government’s continued commitment to environmental sustainability and eco-tourism.
Since its inception in 2005, Kwita Izina has named 397 baby gorillas, significantly contributing to the growth of the species.
Rwanda’s conservation efforts, including cross-border collaboration, enhanced anti-poaching patrols, and the annual naming ceremony, have helped the mountain gorilla population rebound from the brink of extinction.
Tourism anchored in conservation continues to drive Rwanda’s transformation. In 2024, the sector generated $674 million, with gorilla tourism alone contributing over $200 million.
BGI Group, a world leader in genomics, has been at the forefront of biodiversity protection, completing the sequencing of more than 5,900 plant and animal genomes globally.
Dr. Yin’s pledge to sequence every mountain gorilla in Rwanda aims to provide vital genetic data to strengthen conservation strategies.
In addition to the Kwita Izina ceremony, Dr. Yin met with Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, to explore ways to deepen health collaboration.
Minister Nsanzimana praised BGI’s contribution to Rwanda’s health sector, especially its provision of 20,000 HPV tests to help eliminate cervical cancer—a national priority.
Minister of State for Health Dr. Yvan Butera also attended the meeting and reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to improving health outcomes through advanced technologies and strategic partnerships.
Mountain gorillas, humanity’s closest relatives after chimpanzees, remain listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Kwita Izina continues to be a beacon of Rwanda’s conservation success and a model for sustainable tourism, drawing global attention to the urgent need for biodiversity protection.
