Rwanda has embraced a long-standing tradition of celebrating a tree planting ceremony which attracts hundreds of citizens across the country. Today, the national tree planting launch coincided with a special community work session (Umuganda) in Kiruhura village, Kagomasi cell, Gashora sector- Bugesera District.

Buoyant, the Bugesera residents revealed genuine love and care for planting native trees by participating actively in the community work session. They dug holes while others were carrying organic compost into the holes in an attempt to increase soil richness leading to sustainable growth of the seedlings.  

The aim of the launch emphasized mainly on enhancing community involvement and ownership in landscape restoration for long-term impact and sustainability.  With this junction therefore, at least 62,843,695 seedlings, nationwide, that include native and exotic tree species of various uses, such as agroforestry, forestry, fruit, bamboo and ornamental trees, have been prepared. 

Addressing the residents in Bugesera District, Hon. MUSABYIMANA Jean Claude , the Minister of Local Governance in Rwanda highlighted the significance of planting trees, notably, in an area that frequently faces drought.

‘’Our commitment to tree planting has never been more critical than today. Rwanda today has achieved 30 percent of national territory covered by forests, and we will continue to protect and maintain these forests and even plant more, because trees are the lungs of our planet. They provide us with fresh air, control erosion, protect our water resources, prevent disasters, play role in food security, enhance greening and the beauty of our landscape. They conserve biodiversity and contribute significantly to our economy,’’ he explained.

Across the country, new forests will be planted on 2,500 hectares, bamboos on 240 hectares, ornamental trees on 500km on roadsides, agroforestry trees on 50,000 hectares, production and distribution of nearly 4.5 million of fruit trees, rehabilitation of degraded forests on 1000 hectares, establishment of 30 hectares of new tree seed stands, maintaining of existing seed stands on 148 hectares and small forest plantations on 580 hectares.  

Dr. Concorde Nsengumuremyi, Director General of Rwanda Forestry Authority, urged Rwandans to remain on front line in choosing seedlings that can best fend off climate change to deliver expected productivity.

‘’ My take on this, I would advise to plant seedlings on consolidated lands for agroforestry trees. And ornamental trees can best beautify our homes if they are planted in our compounds. So, we can’t contribute ample to food security unless we plant fruit trees on agricultural lands. ‘’ he advised, and added that the Rwanda Forestry Authority and the Ministry of Environment have intensified their collaboration with their stakeholders and partners to increase the number of ornamental trees in IDP model villages, on roadsides and in urban areas with special attention to the city of Kigali and Eastern Rwanda which has been facing a huge forest cover shortage.

Bugesera residents in a buoyant mood after planting trees