Several Rwandan and American institutions are teaming up to create a high-tech program to monitor Rwandan gorillas and their habitat, using remote sensing from satellites and aircraft as well as human trackers on the ground carrying Global Positioning System units. The Rwandan government is hoping to use the program as a way to train people in the use of computers and sophisticated communications technology, skills that could be applied to other projects in this nation that is struggling to rebuild itself after years of war and civil strife. Rwandan officials also hope the project will raise the profile of their conservation efforts and help bring tourists back to the country.
