This study assessed the contribution of biodiversity to tourism development in Rwanda, with a reference to Akagera National Park. The results indicated that as tourist attractions, biodiversityresources accommodated by Akagera National Park, which includes the big five game animalsnamely, buffaloes, lions, rhinoceroses, elephants, and leopards contribute significantly to thedevelopment of tourism in that national park. Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Akagera Management Company (AMC) use the money earned from tourism in the management of that park.The results further revealed that the major threats to biodiversity in Akagera National Park includeclimate change, human-wildlife conflicts, and human’s illegal activities. The respondents illustrated that the biodiversity conservation strategies used in that park include: Electric-fencing, revenue sharing program, Special Guarantee Fund compensating victims of wild animals’ damages, and the agreement for the park management signed between RDB and African Parks. They further demonstrated how both tourism and biodiversity complement each other where, tourists visit the park mostly because of the various biodiversity resources it accommodates. In addition to the strategies used by the Rwandan government to deal with biodiversity threats in all protected areas in the country, REMA, RDB, MINICOM, PSF, MINEDUC, Financial institutions like banks and other microfinances were recommended to work together by encouraging both domestic and foreign entrepreneurs to invest in biodiversity conservation projects and reward the best performers. Furthermore, they were suggested to educate citizens about Rwanda biodiversity conservation policy. Finally, more scientific researches on various biodiversity species to be introduced in different protected areas such as elephants in Nyungwe National Park were also recommended.
