Kigali Launches #IgitiCyanjye Community Tree Planting Campaign in Collaboration with SUNCASA Project

Kigali, Rwanda 26^th October 2024: The City of Kigali, in collaboration with SUNCASA project, and local communities, marked Umuganda on 26^th October, 2024 by launching the ‘#IgitiCyanjye’ community tree planting campaign. This initiative is focused on ensuring the long-term sustainability of trees planted across Kigali by actively engaging residents, organizations, and the broader community to take ownership and responsibility for their care and maintenance.

Hundreds of residents from the districts of Kicukiro, Nyarugenge, and Gasabo gathered early this morning to participate in this community work, a testament to Rwanda’s strong tradition of collective action. Led by the City of Kigali, the event also marked the community launch of the Scaling Urban Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for Climate Adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SUNCASA) Project.

Delivered by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and World Resources Institute (WRI), with funds from Global Affairs Canada, this multi-city initiative     will restore critical upstream micro-catchments in the lower Nyabarongo River watershed, playing a vital role in reducing flood risks, landslides, and soil erosion. Locally, the project is led by three implementing partners:  ARCOS Network, AVEGA-Agahozo and Rwanda Young Water Professionals (RYWP) and will significantly contribute to ‘#IgitiCyanjye’ campaign by planting nearly 3 million trees until 2026, thereby enhancing climate resilience for nearly one million residents of Kigali while empowering and creating green jobs for more than 5,000 people.

With a gender-responsive approach to Nature-based Solutions (NbS), this project will drive the reforestation of steep slopes, develop agroforestry systems, and launch urban tree-planting efforts. These actions will protect high-risk households, stabilize gullies, and reduce the vulnerabilities linked to Kigali’s rapidly changing landscape.

Speaking at the event, Lord Mayor of Kigali, Samuel Dusengiyumva, highlighted the importance of community-driven environmental initiatives. “Today’s Umuganda is not just a day of service; it is a call to action for all of us to contribute to a sustainable future for our city. The launch of the ‘#IgitiCyanjye’ campaign marks an essential step in our larger strategy to make Kigali greener and more resilient to climate impacts. By engaging community champions and influencers, this campaign aims to raise awareness of the environmental, social, and economic benefits of trees, fostering a strong sense of ownership among Kigali’s residents. Through diverse communication channels, we seek to build a lasting commitment to tree care, positioning Kigali as a green, sustainable city where each individual and organization plays a vital role in preserving and nurturing our urban environment.”

Representing WRI, Marc Manyifika, Lead of Urban Resilience for Africa, emphasized how such efforts align with global efforts to tackle climate challenges. “We are at a very important time in the global fight against climate change, and Kigali is standing as a strong example. The serious threats of landslides and floods affect many families, and we cannot close our eyes to this reality. Together, we are not just solving problems; we are building a lasting path of hope and resilience. By bringing back our natural landscapes and making green spaces, we are creating a healthy, sustainable future for our children and all those who will come after them. Today’s tree-planting is more than just planting—it is a powerful message that local actions can truly change the world.”

As part of today’s Umuganda, over 9,200 trees were planted, contributing to Kigali’s ambitious goal of planting 3 million trees in the next five years under the ‘#IgitiCyanjye’ campaign.

“The ‘#IgitiCyanje’ campaign aligns perfectly with SUNCASA’s vision and mission, as it not only promotes tree planting across this adorable city, but also because it fosters community engagement to ensure the long-term sustainability of the nature-based solutions that are making Kigali greener and more resilient to the impacts of climate change,” said Kulupa Mkindlanyana, SUNCASA’s Project Manager representing IISD at the event.

Dr. Sam Kanyamibwa, CEO and Founder of ARCOS Network stressed the importance of restoring Rwanda’s natural ecosystems to protect urban populations from climate risks. “The Nyabarongo River watershed is very important for the ecological health of our whole region, and its damage brings serious risks to our communities. By adding nature-based solutions to our city planning, we are working to fix these problems from their source. This project shows that conservation can be inclusive and powerful, bringing benefits to both the environment and the people.“

This community-centered project does more than just strengthen Kigali’s resilience; it also shows how Nature-based Solutions can help with the climate crisis. In the coming years, the project will keep working to protect vulnerable areas in the city, helping Kigali to stand strong as a leader in sustainability and care for the environment in our region.