To ensure the protection of the Gishwati forest, Forest of Hope Association (FHA) launched the « Community Forest Protection Initiative » , a new approach aimed at helping local communities to play an active role in its protection. Six Community Agents and 6 community committees, each composed of three people, are active and together function as community and forest guardians. The role of these agents and committees, is to patrol the forest and educate local people about its importance and its biodiversity. The active contribution from local community and the support of other stakeholders including local leaders is a critical element to the success of FHA’s effort to protect Gishwati forest, together with a clear perspective on each players’ responsibilities and duties. Also, this successfully influenced the government to upgrade this forest to a national park. FHA is still willing to strengthen the collaboration with local community in Gishwati protection to sustain its achievement.