Rwanda to launch major green growth investment to strengthen climate resilience in Gicumbi District

The Government of Rwanda, through the Ministry of Environment and Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA), will launch the ‘Strengthening Climate Resilience of Rural Communities in Northern Rwanda’ project in Gicumbi District on 26 October 2019.

This project, which is being financed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), will increase the district’s climate resilience and prepare residents for the impacts of climate change. It will also support the adoption of low carbon technologies and job creation.

“This project is the first of its kind in Rwanda and will benefit hundreds of thousands of people in Gicumbi District. We are pleased to be working in partnership with the Green Climate Fund to increase the resilience of communities vulnerable to climate change, promote sustainable economic development and create green jobs,” said Vincent Biruta, Minister of Environment. 

This project will address this challenge of climate disasters by increasing the resilience of vulnerable communities in Gicumbi District. With a value of US $32.8 million, the project is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and will be implemented by the Rwanda Green Fund – FONERWA. In addition to the US $32.8 million grant, the Rwanda Green Fund will contribute US $147,000, Gicumbi District has allocated US $107,000 while the Wood Foundation is providing US $106,000.

“Rwanda is one of our key target countries and Rwanda has a very well developed national resilience and adaptation plan. The Gicumbi project is unique because it is one of the first GCF projects that integrates multiple aspects of climate change. From that point of view, the impact potential and sustainable development potential is high,” said Ayaan Adam, Director, Green Climate Fund Private Sector Facility.

The launch of the project will raise awareness among residents and highlight the urgency to strengthen climate resilience across Rwanda. The project includes the following components:

• Watershed protection and climate resilient agriculture

• Forest management and sustainable energy

• Climate resilient settlements

• Knowledge development and transfer and mainstreaming

Communities in Gicumbi District will benefit through improved livelihoods, enhanced forest management, climate smart farming and improved agriculture and land management. The project will also complement Rwanda’s efforts to become a climate resilient nation and achieve its international commitments under the Paris Agreement.

“Together with our partners, the Rwanda Green Fund is very happy to be implementing this project. Without a doubt, it will improve the lives of Gicumbi residents and contribute to Rwanda’s green growth. We hope this project can be a model that will be scaled up across the country,” said Hubert Ruzibiza,  CEO, Rwanda Green Fund.