Rwanda will on Saturday October 26 launch a $32.8 million (about Rwf30 billion) green growth investment to increase the resilience to climate change of vulnerable communities in Gicumbi District. The launch will take place in Cyumba Sector. A statement released Friday states that the project dubbed ‘Strengthening Climate Resilience of Rural Communities in Northern Rwanda’ in Gicumbi District is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and will be implemented by the Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA). GCF is a financial mechanism under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which helps fund climate finance investment in low-emission, climate-resilient development through mitigation and adaptation projects and programmes in developing countries. “We are pleased to be working in partnership with the Green Climate Fund to increase the resilience of communities vulnerable to climate change, promote sustainable economic development and create green jobs,” Dr. Vincent Biruta, Minister of Environment is quoted in the statement. In addition to the $32.8 million grant, FONERWA will contribute $147,000, Gicumbi District has allocated $107,000 while the Wood Foundation is providing $106,000. Rwanda is one of our key target countries and Rwanda has a very well developed national resilience and adaptation plan. The Gicumbi project is unique because it is one of the first GCF projects that integrates multiple aspects of climate change. From that point of view, the impact potential and sustainable development potential is high, said Ayaan Adam, Director, Green Climate Fund Private Sector Facility. Meanwhile, official said that the launch of the project will raise awareness among residents and highlight the urgency to strengthen climate resilience across Rwanda. Components of the project The project consist of components including watershed protection and climate resilient agriculture, forest management and sustainable energy, as well as climate resilient settlements. In addition, it will include knowledge development and transfer and mainstreaming. Under the auspices of the project, communities in Gicumbi District are expected to benefit through improved livelihoods, enhanced forest management, climate smart farming and improved agriculture and land management. The project will also complement Rwanda’s efforts to become a climate resilient nation and achieve its international commitments under the Paris Agreement. “Together with our partners, the Rwanda Green Fund is very happy to be implementing this project. Without a doubt, it will improve the lives of Gicumbi residents and contribute to Rwanda’s green growth. We hope this project can be a model that will be scaled up across the country,” said Hubert Ruzibiza, CEO, Rwanda Green Fund. The project is in line with Green Growth and Climate Resilience National Strategy for Climate Change and Low Carbon Development that Rwanda unveiled in 2011, with a goal to achieve green economy by 2050. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
