Rwanda is in the process of restoring damaged wetlands with plans to expand the number. Information obtained by The New Times from the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) explains that nine wetlands are being rehabilitated for ecotourism purposes, with plans to extend the initiative. ALSO READ: What you should know as Rwanda celebrates World Wetland Day The following wetlands will be restored through the Volcanoes Community Resilience Project. 1. Cyabararika Cyabararika wetland is located in Cyabararika cell in the Muhoza sector of Musanze district. The wetland has cold springs, which people believe have medicinal properties to help sober up. 2. Gana-Ruhondo This wetland is located near Lake Ruhondo in Burera district. It is already prioritised for restoration under the Volcanoes Community Resilience Project. 3. Gihinga Gihinga wetland, located in Nyabihu district, is also being restored for ecotourism purposes. “Volcanoes Community Resilience Project prioritises wetlands for restoration. Not all the wetlands that will be restored have been decided yet, but these are the ones that are already known,” REMA said in a statement. 4. Mukungwa wetland As part of a different project, Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), in collaboration with Musanze district, is set to establish the Mukungwa urban eco-tourism park, which is part of a newly approved land use and development master plan, according to Marie Grace Nishimwe, the director general of the National Land Authority. ALSO READ: Musanze to establish Mukungwa urban eco-tourism park According to REMA, The restoration of Mukungwa wetland will commence in March 2025, starting with feasibility studies. ALSO READ: Rwanda to restore 1,000 wetlands as report highlights water crisis in Africa There are wetlands already being restored in Kigali, with the aim of completing the first phase of restoration by September this year. This phase began in March 2024, with a $27 million budget under the Rwanda Urban Development Project. 5. Gikondo Gikondo wetland (162 hectares) will be transformed into a recreational area similar to Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park. There are five wetlands that had been polluted and in need of restoration, having been degraded by human activities, such as industries. 6. Kibumba Kibumba wetland (68 hectares) will particularly focus on fishing, a significant activity in Rwandan culture. A series of fish ponds and a small facility presenting information about both ancient and modern fishing practices in Rwanda will be established. The building will also serve as an educational and recreational hub for children and visitors, offering insights into fishing practices. ALSO READ: Fishing to feature in five Kigali wetlands after $27m rehabilitation Visitors, especially children, will have the opportunity to learn about fishing in an interactive way, while the fish will be harvested for economic use. 7. Rwampala Rwampala wetland (65 hectares), which through which passes a river, will have facilities to mitigate flooding, and pedestrian and cycling routes. Its rehabilitation will enhance the diversity of water-dependent species such as birds, amphibians, and plants. 8. Rugenge-Rwintare Upon restoration, Rugenge-Rwintare wetland (65 hectares) will feature recreational facilities for leisure, including bamboo zones, a suspended walkway, and cycling circuits. REMA stated that the benefits of rehabilitating these wetlands will provide city dwellers with recreational spaces and contribute to the green growth agenda. There are also plans to develop a business plan for all the wetlands to generate revenue. 9. Nyabugogo Nyabugogo wetland (131 hectares) is set to feature a lake, serving as a centre for conservation and climate change education. Recreational activities will be developed around the lake. The restoration of Nyabugogo wetland will include flood control infrastructure to protect roads, re-create the natural river profile downstream, and establish a waterfront to enhance the city landscape.
