Voix du Paysan to educate and inform citizens: a commitment to social and climate justice.
The island territory of Idjwi, nestled in the waters of Lake Kivu, is rich in cultural, social, and anthropological heritage that remains largely unknown to the general public. Emmanuel Ndimwiza, a sociologist committed to social and cultural justice, advocates for shining a light on the food practices, ancestral rites, and communal wisdom of the Havu people—true guardians of a unique intangible heritage. This diversity deserves to be promoted through responsible cultural tourism that respects local identities.
For Emmanuel Ndimwiza, promoting tourism in Idjwi relies on three key pillars: educating young people about their own culture, documenting historical and sacred sites, and networking local initiatives. He calls on the authorities to invest in developing access routes to the island’s mythical hills, natural beaches, artisanal markets, and places of collective memory. A well-thought-out strategy could transform each visit into an experience of cultural transmission and economic support.
Finally, Emmanuel Ndimwiza emphasizes the island’s unique tourist attractions: the traditional “Amakondera” dance, fire ceremonies, cuisine made with local products, and terrace farming know-how. Idjwi is not just a place to visit—it is an island to live, to feel. He issues a call to travelers from around the world: come discover a land where humanity and nature still speak with wisdom.
The Editorial Team
Emmanuel Ndimwiza Invites You to Discover Idjwi: Living Traditions and Hidden Treasures of an Island Paradise
