Of course behind that simple answer is a vastly complex process, so let's look at how the fees we pay are used in positive ways to protect gorillas as a species.  Our £500 fee enables the Rwandan government to: 

• Protect and conserve gorilla habitat which is coveted  by oil, mineral and logging companies, as well as farmers and developers.

• Provide 24 hour armed protection for Rwanda's 16 remaining gorilla families against poaching

• Rehabilitate and retrain former poachers as guides and guards  - the tracking and hunting skills they possess are valuable when used in conservation

• Raise awareness that, in the long term, gorillas are worth more to the local economy alive than dead

• Set up womens craft cooperatives to give them independent income and more choices and freedom 

• Support farmers in sustainable practices

• Install infrastructure for us tourists that also benefits local people by improving:

  • sanitation - clean water is more widely available

  • health - through both preventive campaigns and medical care

  • education - more children are now in school in Rwanda than ever before in the country's history, because families can better afford school bills and to free at least some of their children from working on the land.

• Link markets for trading - improved road networks mean trading is easier between communities, while tourist hotels provide a ready market for local produce

• Generate direct employment of builders, hotel staff, cultural artists, shops, laundries, porters etc

All of which means local people have a steadier economy, better standard of living and fewer reasons to turn to poaching as an income supplement.

Gorilla related tourism represents a significant percentage of Rwanda's GDP. Gorillas are an integral part of this country and can only be considered within the context of its community and economy.