On September 5, Dr. Yin Ye, CEO of BGI Group, participated in Rwanda’s prestigious 20th Annual Mountain Gorilla Naming Ceremony, Kwita Izina 20. This globally recognized event, held in Kinigi near Volcanoes National Park, celebrates the conservation of mountain gorillas, a critically endangered species with around 1,000 individuals remaining.

BGI Group CEO Dr. Yin Ye announces his naming of a gorilla in Rwandan traditional outfit at Kwita Izina 20. (Credit: Kwita Izina 20)

Dr. Yin Ye was accompanied by renowned Chinese wildlife photographer Xi Zhinong as part of an international delegation of 40 distinguished guests, including royalty, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, environmentalists, and celebrities. Together, they named baby gorillas born between 2023 and 2025. Rwandan Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva and First Lady Jeanette Kagame also participated the ceremony.

Dr. Yin Ye named a baby girl gorilla "TEKANA" during the Kwita Izina 20 ceremony. (Credit: Kwita Izina 20)

During the ceremony, Dr. Yin Ye named a baby girl mountain gorilla born on December 24, 2023, “TEKANA,” which means “Feel Secure” in Kinyarwanda. Explaining the significance of the name, Dr. Yin stated: “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.”

 “This is not just a naming ceremony; it is a commitment to safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring that future generations inherit a better world,” he added.

BGI Group has long been deeply involved in the field of biodiversity conservation. To date, BGI has completed the sequencing and assembly of more than 5,900 plant and animal genomes, providing significant scientific foundations for global biodiversity research and conservation efforts.

Group photo of all the guests at Kwita Izina 20. (Credit: Kwita Izina 20)

Mountain gorillas, part of the great ape family and humanity’s closest relatives, are listed as “endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s Gorilla Naming Ceremony, was established in 2005 and has named 397 gorillas to date. The event raises awareness of conservation and promotes sustainable tourism, significantly contributing to the protection of mountain gorillas.

Rwanda has made significant progress in gorilla conservation through initiatives such as establishing national parks, enhancing patrols, fostering cross-border collaborations, and hosting the annual naming ceremony. Thanks to these efforts, the mountain gorilla population has been steadily increasing in recent years.

Dr. Yin Ye met with Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana (left), Minister of Health of Rwanda.

In addition to attending the ceremony, Dr. Yin Ye met with Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, to discuss opportunities for strengthening healthcare collaboration. During the meeting, Minister Nsanzimana praised BGI Group’s contributions, particularly its initiative to provide HPV tests to Rwandan women. This effort directly supports Rwanda’s national goal of eliminating cervical cancer and boosting public health.

Dr. Nsanzimana also expressed interest in expanding the partnership to further enhance Rwanda’s healthcare systems and integrate advanced technologies. Minister of State for Health, Dr. Yvan Butera, who was also present at the meeting, emphasized Rwanda’s strong commitment to improving health outcomes for its citizens.