Rwanda has secured $18 million from the Global Environment Facility to scale up the country’s climate resilience and ecosystem restoration efforts, authorities said on Thursday.
According to a statement by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (Rema), the funding will support ecosystem restoration and community resilience building in six districts of Rwanda’s Southern Province, namely Kamonyi, Muhanga, Nyanza, Ruhango, Huye and Gisagara, under the Green Amayaga Programme.
“Rwanda is committed to restoring its environment and strengthening the resilience of its people through inclusive, science-based, and locally driven solutions,” said Juliet Kabera, director general of Rema.
“This marks a critical step forward in our national efforts to build a climate-resilient, green economy. We are also deeply grateful to UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) for their technical guidance and partnership in the development of this new project,” Ms Kabera added.
The new project aims to strengthen nature-based solutions, promote integrated natural resource management, and enhance livelihoods through ecosystem-based adaptation, according to officials.
According to Rema, under the Green Amayaga project, more than 929 hectares of woodlots have been planted, and the buffer zone of the Kibirizi-Muyira natural forest has been rehabilitated.
In addition, over 243,000 fruit trees have been planted and erosion control measures have been implemented on 13,886 hectares using agroforestry techniques, terracing and reed planting.
