A ministerial order aimed at protecting Rwanda’s oldest native and culturally significant “legacy trees” is in its final stage, according to the Director General of the Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA), Concorde Nsengumuremyi. ALSO READ: Five indigenous tree species that face extinction The proposed regulation is intended to strengthen the protection of ancient trees considered valuable due to their age, ecological role, cultural meaning, historical relevance, and rarity. ALSO READ: What to know about Rwanda's new Rwf400bn plan to curb biodiversity loss Many are centuries old and are closely linked to Rwanda’s national heritage and community identity. At least 540 native legacy trees have been identified across Rwanda under the national legacy tree initiative launched in 2025, he said. Ngoma District recorded the highest number of reported candidate legacy trees at 73, followed by Kirehe District with 51 and Gasabo District with 48. Other districts with high numbers include Gakenke District (46), Musanze District (43), Nyamagabe District (34), Nyamasheke District (28), Burera District (26), Ngororero District (24), and Rubavu District with 20 reported trees. “These oldest native trees have cultural and historical significance in Rwanda. They store more carbon, boost tourism and beautify the country. They are also resilient to climate change and provide herbal medicine,” Nsengumuremyi said. Among the trees is Icubya, a 300-year-old sacred tree in Rutunga Sector, Gasabo District, believed to be Cordia africana and known by several names, including Umuvugangoma, Ikigumbashi, and Imana ya Nyakalima. Traditionally regarded as the “god of hunting,” it was a gathering place for hunters and is surrounded by strong spiritual beliefs, with some communities believing that harming it brings misfortune or death. Its status is linked to long-standing spiritual practices such as divination (kuragura). ALSO READ: 17 native tree species to help green Rwanda’s Eastern Province The tree dates back to the 17th century during the reign of King Cyilima II Rujugira. After his son Ndabarasa helped liberate Gasabo around 1695, the king ordered a tree to be planted there as a symbol of victory and protection. In traditional Rwanda, families planted such trees at homesteads and along boundaries as living markers of protection and identity. They were also used to mark cemeteries and royal enclosures. These trees supported biodiversity and beekeeping, and were also important in traditional medicine. He also cited native species such as Inkungu, Umwumba, and Umunege, which are under threat of extinction. “We did a survey in Eastern Province and found that only 12 Umunege trees were remaining. We later multiplied seedlings and have so far planted 5,000 to restore such tree species,” he said. ALSO READ: Deforestation in Eastern Province raises concern At least 17 native tree species at risk of disappearing have been identified and documented for restoration efforts. Citizen participation in identifying threatened species Citizen participation has been central to identifying legacy trees. Reports were submitted by communities across Rwanda who documented large and culturally significant native trees in their areas. ALSO READ: Eight key findings from biodiversity survey on Rwanda's protected Rugezi Marsh The initiative combines scientific research with traditional knowledge. The project has been recognised among leading climate action initiatives of 2025. It has now entered a verification stage, during which technical teams will visit each reported tree to confirm whether it qualifies. The process is expected to be completed by May 2026. Once verification is complete, information on confirmed legacy trees will be shared with partners to support conservation. Nsengumuremyi confirmed: “A ministerial order is in final stages to protect the identified legacy trees.” In Bugesera District, Genesta Ntawuzikurema, a resident of the area, said firewood and charcoal collection is endangering species such as Umunzenze and Umusagara. Another resident, Theoneste Mpazihose. added that population pressure is driving the disappearance of Umusave and Umuvumu trees. Athanase Mukuralinda, a senior scientist at the Centre for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry, said native trees store more carbon than exotic species. “For example, the Umuvumu tree stores three times more carbon than trees such as Grevillea,” he noted. 1,400 potentially trees species at risk Landscape ecologist Fabio Pedercini said the world has about 73,300 tree species, with around 9,200 yet to be discovered. “Africa hosts about 11,800 species, including nearly 1,400 potentially at risk. About 30 per cent of Africa’s tree species are rare, making them especially vulnerable to disappearing,” he said. Venuste Nsengimana, Director of the University of Rwanda’s Centre of Excellence in Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management (CoEB), said urbanisation, agriculture, infrastructure development, and climate change are eroding native trees. “Such trees should be integrated and given space even in cities,” he said. The Minister of Environment, Bernadette Arakwiye, said Rwanda is committed to restoring two million hectares of degraded land by 2030 under the Bonn Challenge. In October 2025, Rwanda launched the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for 2025-2030, with an estimated $500 million required for implementation.
