Greening Rwanda: Conservation Efforts from Wetlands to Urban Planning
Visitors enjoy a walk through Nyandungu Eco Park, a restored urban wetland in Kigali
Efforts to conserve Rwanda’s environment are yielding promising results, as protected areas and green projects continue to revive degraded ecosystems and combat climate change.
A notable success is the Nyandungu Urban Wetland Ecotourism Project (NUWEP), which transformed 121.7 hectares of degraded wetland into a thriving urban park. Completed between 2016 and 2021, the project restored biodiversity in the heart of Kigali while creating a peaceful recreational space now known as Nyandungu Eco-Park. The park safeguards a variety of plant and animal species and offers a model for green urban planning.
Rwanda also stands out globally for its early and bold environmental policies. In 2008, the country became one of the first in the world to ban plastic bags. In 2019, Rwanda extended this policy to ban single-use plastics. These efforts have not only inspired other countries but also positioned Rwanda as a global advocate in the fight against plastic pollution contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.
Beyond green cities and plastic bags, climate resilience projects are transforming communities. The Green Gicumbi Project, run by the Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA), is helping residents in Gicumbi Districtadapt to climate change. The initiative promotes low-carbon technologies, sustainable farming, and green job creation. It has already employed more than 25,000 residents of Gicumbi District.
Similarly, the Green Amayaga Project focuses on restoring forest landscapes across four districts in Southern Province. It promotes biodiversity, strengthens ecosystem services, and enhances agricultural productivity, while reducing local vulnerability to climate change.
Looking ahead, the Green City Kigali project aims to build Rwanda’s first climate-resilient and culturally compatible urban settlement. This sustainable community will offer affordable housing and serve as a model for eco-friendly urban development in Africa.
From forests to cities, wetlands to communities, Rwanda’s environmental conservation efforts highlight a powerful truth: caring for nature is caring for ourselves.