Growing Together: Rwanda Launches Tree Planting Season for Food Security and Clean Air in Gicumbi District
By Justin Kayiranga
At the launch of the tree planting season in Gicumbi District, the Minister of Environment, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya called on Rwandans to plant agroforestry trees, emphasizing their role in enhancing food security and clean air.
The ceremony took place, on November 1st,2024, in Gicumbi District, where officials and local residents gathered in Manyagiro sector to witness and participate in the tree planting initiative.
Dr. Uwamariya stressed that this season’s tree planting efforts underscore Rwanda’s commitment to restoring natural ecosystems, increasing green cover, and contributing to global efforts to mitigate adverse effects of climate change.
“Rwanda has put a lot of effort into building a sustainable economy and prioritizing the protection of the environment. So, this initiative of planting plant trees is a strong sign that reinforces the political will and the effort that Rwanda puts into environmental protection while increasing the area planted with forests.” Minister said.
The minister also reminded the residents of Gicumbi district and Rwandans in general, that they should give up their wrong perception towards planting agroforestry which they associate with land wasting.
“Some people think that agroforestry harms the soil, but it is not true, because it helps to make our lands more fertile, access clean air and also contribute to food security. So, wherever agroforestry is possible, embrace it because it is also important instead of thinking that you will only cover all mountains with forests.”
More than 1.6 million trees seedlings are set to be planted in Gicumbi district in Partnership with Green Gicumbi Project that is driving transformation in forests and nature restoration by strengthening climate resilience of rural communities in Northern Rwanda.
Kagenza Jean Marie Vianney, the project coordinator, attest that what has been achieved so far gives confidence that even after this project is completed, forests will continue to be preserved because people have changed their perception towards environmental protection thanks to project interventions.
He said “What we appreciate the most is that people’s perception towards environmental protection have already changed. So, what we encourage the stakeholders and the district officials is to preserve what has been achieved with community’s participation especially the youth.”
At this launch in Gicumbi district, 25,000 tree seedlings, including 500 agroforestry trees, were planted on 10 hectares in Manyagiro sector, while countrywide, 65 million trees are set to be planted during this season.
Thanks to Green Gicumbi project by Rwanda Green Fund, 1,240 hectares of degraded forests were rehabilitated while 7,400 hectares of agricultural land were planted with agroforestry.
