Rwanda Forestry Authority/RFA held the first meeting in Huye district, yesterday, that gathered senior and fresh staff. They brainstormed creative and innovative ideas that will bring positive change to the institution. The Director General of RFA highlighted importance of safeguarding natural ecosystem and shed light on collaborative work to achieve a rewarding end-result.

The meeting took place at the new headquarters of RFA which is currently located in Ruhande arboretum, thoroughly closer to UR Huye campus stadium. During the discussion, the staff reflected and emphasized on the significance of planting sustainable forests, diversifying endangered tree species by introducing new seedlings which are able enough to fend off climate change, and to coexist with other species for eternity. 

It is reasonable to cherish the mother earth planet by planting trees and protecting forests because all living creatures rely on them. They produce oxygen that we, as people, breathe through photosynthesis. Some forests are food and medicines that are needed on daily basis.

Speaking of maintaining and increasing Rwanda’s forests, Dr. Concorde Nsengumuremyi, RFA’s Director General highlighted that working hand in hand with communities on district and sector level will facilitate to best monitor prosperity of the forests and identify tangible traits for new findings.

‘’ We should renovate our way of working by collaborating within and with other members of different communities on sector and district level so we can best advocate for forests and contribute to the development of this institution together,’’ he said.   

Recall that the mission of RFA is to ensure growth of forest resources, their management and protection for sustainable development. As for improving well-being of people by jobs creation and environmental protection, there are major forest projects like Green Gicumbi, Green Amayaga, TREPA, COMBIO, and BMU-AREECA among others which are under implementation. These projects also focus on capacity building of staff, key partners and stakeholders including communities to ensure the sustainability of the forestry sector.

RFA staff posed for a picture after the meeting held in arboretum, Huye district.