Today marks the commencement of a two-day workshop led by the Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA), in collaboration with local authorities, with a primary focus on devising effective strategies for the restoration of degraded forests and private forest management units (PFMUs) across the Eastern Province.

In his opening address, Rwabuyonza Jean Paul, Coordinator of the Single Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) at the Rwanda Forestry Authority, lauded the unwavering dedication and resolute efforts of local authorities in the ongoing restoration and preservation of forests. He passionately advocated for a unified endeavor towards agricultural revitalization, emphasizing the imperative for collective action in rejuvenating landscapes:

"Let us forge a shared vision of agricultural renewal this year," he urged, underscoring the pivotal role of proactive engagement in landscape rehabilitation.

Addressing attendees, Rwabuyonza urged them to embrace their roles as agents of transformation, emphasizing active participation across all phases, from vigilant monitoring to hands-on planting and rigorous evaluation.

Under the umbrella of the TREPA Project, initiated to combat environmental degradation and bolster climate resilience, the RFA, alongside the Ministry of Environment, is spearheading this endeavor. With funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the project aims to revitalize 60,000 hectares of degraded landscapes within Rwanda's Eastern Province.

Spridio Nshimiyimana, Head of Forest Management at the Rwanda Forestry Authority, invoked a spirit of unity, emphasizing the collective responsibility in sowing the seeds of sustainable growth and nurturing landscapes to flourish.

In partnership with esteemed organizations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Enabel, ICRAF, World Vision, and Cordaid, the project targets the restoration of various degraded environments, including croplands, silvopastoral lands, small-holder private woodlots, and public forests. Additionally, it focuses on rehabilitating protective areas such as roads, lakeshores, rivers, and buffer zones around the Akagera National Park.

A key component of the TREPA Project involves providing clean cooking fuel and technology to 100,000 households, alongside developing value chains for climate-resilient agricultural and agroforestry products. These efforts aim to incentivize active participation in landscape restoration activities among beneficiaries.

Damien Maniriho, Agroforestry Ecosystem Specialist at the Rwanda Forestry Authority, encouraged the local authorities to assume their full ownership and proactive involvement in every initiative, particularly in forest rehabilitation endeavors:

"Let us intertwine our collective experiences within this workshop," he urged, fostering an environment conducive to fruitful exchanges that would enrich their collaborative journey.

Crafting Modalities for State Forest Restoration

This workshop seeks to address the urgent issue of forest degradation by formulating robust strategies for restoring degraded state forests. Central to the agenda is the TREPA project's goal to rejuvenate 1,050 hectares of land within the Eastern Province by the end of 2024 through extensive tree-planting initiatives. This concerted effort underscores a collective commitment to safeguarding vital natural resources for future generations.

Establishment of PFMUs Modalities

Of paramount importance during the workshop is the establishment of clear modalities for Private Forest Management Units (PFMUs), aimed at fostering a shared understanding of their operational framework.

Discussions centered on delineating co-financing arrangements for the management of forested land, with a focus on outlining a comprehensive roadmap for execution. Moreover, district-level commitment has been proven crucial for seamless on-the-ground implementation, highlighting the significance of meticulous planning and collaboration in sustainable forest management practices.

As Rwanda continues its journey towards environmental conservation and climate resilience, initiatives such as the TREPA Project underscore the nation's commitment to preserving its rich natural heritage for generations to come.