Rwanda Launches National Tree Planting Season with TREPA Project Expected to Boost Tree Survival

By Ange de la Victoire DUSABEMUNGU

Themed “Plant a Tree, Nurture It, Save the Planet!”, the Government of Rwanda, in collaboration with various stakeholders, officially kicked off the 2024-2025 National Tree Planting Season on Saturday, October 26th, 2024. The launch event took place in Rwamagana District, Munyaga sector, where a total of 25,000 trees were planted across 17 hectares of land.

Rwamagana District, known for its strong commitment to forest management, is also home to the TREPA project, which aims to bring transformation to the Eastern Province through Adaptation.

In an interview with TOP AFRICA NEWS, Mayor Mbonyumuvunyi Radjab highlighted the presence of state forests and community forests in the district.

He emphasized the community’s support for the tree planting season and noted the efforts being made by local residents to ensure the success of afforestation initiatives.

Mayor Radjab explained that community forests in the district are managed by community cooperatives and are sustainably harvested to prevent deforestation and maintain the ecosystem.

Despite concerns about the survival of newly planted trees in some parts of the country, Mayor Radjab expressed confidence in the community’s dedication to forest preservation and the success of initiatives like TREPA and COMBIO.

He praised the collaboration with TREPA, which has led to a significant portion of forests being planted.

Additionally, traditional tree species such as Eucalyptus and Grevillea, as well as other native and exotic trees, have been revived thanks to the efforts of TREPA and COMBIO.

“These species are now more accessible to the community through their partnership.” Mayor Mbonyumuvunyi added.

During this 2024-2025 tree planting season, a total of 550,000 forest trees will be planted across 275 hectares in the District. Additionally, 360,000 agroforestry trees will be planted on 2400 hectares, and 30,000 edible fruit trees will also be planted as part of the season.

TREPA project hailed as key to tree survival in Rwamagana District and Eastern Province

During the 2024-2025 Tree planting Season, a total of 65 million trees will be planted across the country, marking an increase of almost 2 million from the previous season’s 63 million. Additionally, the number of trees each household is required to plant has been raised from 3 to 5.

Explaining the rationale behind launching the afforestation season in Eastern Province, Minister of Environment Dr. Valentine Uwamariya stated, “The Eastern Province has limited forest cover and receives minimal rainfall. By increasing the number of trees, we aim to enhance future rainfall. Whether they are indigenous or exotic species, planting more trees will contribute to increased precipitation.”

Fruits trees donated by the Embassy of Israel in Rwanda were among those planted during the Umuganda in Rwamagana to promote overall well-being and healthy nutrition.

Minister Uwamariya emphasized the importance of planting trees at home, particularly fruit-bearing ones, to support good nutrition. Schools are also encouraged to plant edible trees to enhance children’s diets.

Minister of Environment Dr. Valentine Uwamariya

Regarding tree management, Dr. Uwamariya assured that measures are in place to ensure the successful growth and maintenance of the newly planted trees. He highlighted the ongoing TREPA project in the eastern province, emphasizing the commitment to monitoring and achieving the project’s goals to safeguard the trees.

About TREPA

World Agroforestry (ICRAF), in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Ministry of Environment, Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA), Enabel, World Vision and Cordaid, is implementing the “Transforming Eastern Province through Adaptation” (TREPA) project in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. Funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the six-year project is running through 2027 with the aim to shift from degraded to resilient landscapes, and from fragile to sustainable livelihoods.

TREPA intends to increase the resilience of 75,000 smallholder farmers and restore 60,000 ha of drought-prone degraded landscapes as climate-resilient ecosystems through agroforestry, soil erosion control, reforestation, and the restoration of pasturelands, including economic incentives linked with the development of value chains of climate-resilient agricultural and tree products.

Israel Ambassador to Rwanda Einat Weiss and her husband planting a tree

Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya preparing a tree to be planted

Governor of the Eastern Province, Pudence Rubingisa (R) together with other officials planting a tree

Rwamagana District Mayor, Mbonyumuvunyi Radjab charting with the Rwanda’s Mister of Environment

Musician Juno Kizigenza entertaining citizens in Rwamagana District

Music Artist Alyn Sano entertaining participants during the closing ceremony of Umuganda

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