Kigali, Rwanda Tuesday 07 June 2022– Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Dr. Vincent Biruta received credentials of Ms Kaori Yasuda, the new IUCN Rwanda Country Representative.

They discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation between IUCN and the Government of Rwanda, building upon the extensive collaboration between the Government of Rwanda and IUCN since 2016 to conserve the integrity and diversity of Rwanda’s nature, and to support and sustain healthy and resilient ecosystems that provide essential services to Rwanda’s citizens.

During presentation of her credentials, Ms Yasuda Kaori appreciated the leadership of Government of Rwanda in the region and globally for implementing nature-based solutions for the benefit of people and nature.

IUCN is committed to continue working hand in hand with the Government of Rwanda’s on strategic priorities that focus on Biodiversity Conservation, Forest Landscape Restoration, Ecosystem management, Payment for Ecosystem services, Wetlands and Water Resource Management; Climate Change and Protected Areas management among others, for sustainable and green economic development.

The cabinet on Friday 04 March 2022 chaired by His Excellency Paul Kagame, the President of the Republic of Rwanda, approved Ms Kaori Yasuda as IUCN Rwanda new Country Representative with residence in Kigali.

Ms Yasuda replaced Mr. Charles Karangwa, who was the IUCN Country Representative since January 2016 and who now has moved on to become the IUCN Regional Head of Land Systems in Eastern and Southern Africa, and the IUCN Country Representative in Kenya.

Ms. Yasuda has more than 20 years of extensive experience in international development, programme management, operations, and strategic partnerships in Africa, Europe and North America.

Her experience spans working on a number of themes including catalysing private investment in conservation in East Africa, nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation, transboundary water resources management, and trans-frontier conservation area financing facility development in Southern Africa.

Since 2016, IUCN has been working closely with Government of Rwanda in order to support country in achieving the overall conservation and development objectives.

Since then, the IUCN Rwanda focusses on restoration of landscapes and ecosystems for nature and people, management of water resources for biodiversity and sustainable development, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and sustainable financing mechanisms.