Rwanda Forestry Authority, yesterday the 19^th February, held a staff meeting at its current head-office based in Huye District. The aim was to warmly welcome new employees and revitalize forest growth through innovative research, proactive protection and sustainable forest management.

In his attention-grabbing remarks, the RFA Director General highlighted controversial elements that require critical thinking and innovation that lead to forest resilience and promote sustainable, prosperous and evergreen forests.

“Our secret in terms of our contribution to the forest lies in the synergistic work in establishing new seed stands in different districts across the country. This allows us to produce high quality seedlings in terms of survival rate and resilience to climate change. Through good cooperation with the Rwanda Development Board, we have already gained access to some national parks where we can catch rare tree species that we could not find in public forests''. “We do this because we need to trust the source of our seeds, especially in the context of a research and agroforestry program,” emphasized Dr. Concorde Nsengumuremyi, Director General, Rwanda Forestry Authority.

During the discussion, staff reflected and stressed the importance of planting sustainable forests and diversifying endangered tree species through the use of new technologies to ensure that new species are sufficiently resilient to climate change and have a better chance of living amicably with others Species. There is no doubt that cherishing the mother planet Earth by planting trees and protecting forests saves the future as all living creatures depend on them. Trees produce oxygen, which we humans breathe through photosynthesis. Some forests provide food and medicine that are needed daily.

“We are conducting research and studying the adaptability of tree species that, thanks to our protection research program, are resilient enough to repel some diebacks, pests and diseases.” We need to be sure of the results of our experiments in order to draw conclusions about the quality of the seeds.  Though it takes time and intensive study to obtain the best seed quality, we are very optimistic about introducing other new species so we can move away from mono-species habit,” said Dr. Ivan, head of the forestry research division, Rwanda Forestry Authority.

Remember, 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 transforming eastern province through adaptation, COMBIO reducing vulnerability to climate change through enhancing community based biodiversity conservation in the Eastern Province of Rwanda, 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.