Category: Environment

The project was formally launched on November 1, 2024, at Mukono Health Center in Gicumbi District, which serves residents from four villages in three nearby sectors.

During the week between October 28 and November 1, 2024, over 3,000 trees were planted across 24 health centers and at Byumba Hospital. At Mukono Health Center alone, where the official launch was held, more than 200 fruit trees were planted.

RNMU leadership stated that this tree-planting effort is the first phase of a larger initiative that will eventually extend to all districts, aiming to plant nearly a million trees over the next five years.

RNMU President, André Gitembagara, highlighted that the tree-planting exercise aligns with a mission to enhance quality healthcare based on environmental sustainability.

“The health we help people maintain wouldn’t be possible without a protected environment. We first educated nurses and midwives, both students and professionals, on the importance of environmental care so they could actively participate in planting these trees,” he explained.

He further highlighted the choice to prioritize fruit-bearing trees: “We focus on fruit-bearing trees because we believe that patients and visitors at health centers benefit from these trees. When they see well-kept trees bearing fruit, they have access to fresh produce and even shaded areas, which adds value to their experience.”

Mukono Health Center’s Director, Ennock Gatwaza, noted that the center had a large open area with limited tree cover. He expressed optimism that the newly planted trees would benefit visitors, especially those with poor nutrition.

“Patients visiting here can pick fruit from these trees. For example, children suffering from malnutrition can enjoy avocados, which provide essential nutrients like natural sugars needed for children under five,” he said.

Jean Marie Vianney Mbonyintwari, Gicumbi’s Deputy Mayor in charge of Social Welfare, said that planting fruit trees in the district is expected to yield substantial benefits in fighting malnutrition and stunting in children.

“Planting fruit trees is a significant step in combating child stunting, which currently affects 19.2% of children here. We aim to plant at least three trees per household and educate residents on caring for them, as this will benefit them directly,” he explained.

“We greatly appreciate the contribution of partners like RNMU, who provided 3,000 trees and fertilizer, while we continue to play our part,” Mbonyintwari added.

He reiterated that Gicumbi District aims to eradicate child stunting entirely, and he believes that fruit trees will play a crucial role in this endeavor.

Covering an area of 6,736 hectares across the Gicumbi and Burera districts, Rugezi Marsh is one of Rwanda’s most vital wetlands. It serves as a crucial water source for the Burera and Ruhondo lakes, which supply water to the Ntaruka and Mukungwa hydroelectric power stations.

In 2006, Rugezi Marsh was designated a Ramsar site, joining a global network of wetlands protected under the Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971 and enacted in 1975.

Despite its ecological importance, the species inhabiting the marsh were not fully documented until the recent research initiative launched in 2023.

Among the new discoveries are two species recorded in Rwanda for the first time: a butterfly known as the Hydrilla Leafcutter Moth and climbing plant species, Zehneria tridactyla.

Researchers documented 197 plant species, including 109 previously unrecorded in the marsh. They also identified 127 bird species, 28 of which are new to the region.

The marsh hosts an array of aquatic life, with 82 newly identified invertebrate species, 14 amphibian species (eight of which are newly discovered), and 13 reptile species (10 of them previously unknown).

Regarding mammals, 53 species were recorded, including 22 species of bats. Three fish species were also found, one of which is newly discovered. The study also unveiled 149 species of arthropods, including 49 butterfly species, all previously undocumented in the Rugezi Marsh.

Laure Rurangwa, a lead researcher with expertise in bird species, emphasized the significance of this thorough biodiversity study.

She pointed out that it marks the first time such an in-depth investigation has been carried out in Rugezi, stressing the need for ongoing research to better understand the genetic composition of these species, which will contribute to global conservation initiatives.

Rurangwa also mentioned the possibility of discovering species entirely new to science as genetic analysis continues.

Dr. Olivier Nsengimana, Executive Director of the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA), underscored the importance of this research, particularly the conservation of cranes, a species of special concern in Rwanda.

The Rugezi Marsh is home to nearly a quarter of the country’s crane population, which has grown from 487 in 2007 to 1,293 today, thanks to continued conservation efforts.

Faustin Munyazikwiye, Deputy Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), highlighted the critical role the marsh plays in Rwanda’s environment and energy sectors.

He recalled the 2001-2002 power shortage caused by a decrease in water levels at the Ntaruka power station, later traced back to the drying of Rugezi Marsh.

Restoration efforts were successfully completed by 2010, and today the marsh is thriving, with ongoing collaboration between authorities and local communities to protect the area and provide sustainable livelihoods for those living nearby.

The country’s Minister of Forest Economy, Rosalie Matondo and WCS officials launched this initiative which aims to address the significant financing gap for the conservation of tropical forests, especially those still untouched by degradation.

“This project marks a significant step towards innovative financial mechanisms that allow our country to capitalize on our conservation efforts,” said Matondo during the launch in Brazzaville.
Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, covering over 0.4 million hectares, has absorbed over 11 million tons of CO2 over the past decade, showcasing the immense climate contribution of these forests.

WCS, the visionary behind HIFOR, developed the initiative to create a sustainable financial model for conserving tropical forests that offer vital climate, biodiversity, and socio-economic benefits.
Each HIFOR unit represents one hectare of well-preserved forest, allowing investors to support the protection of these critical ecosystems while creating a long-term stream of funding.

The HIFOR initiative was endorsed on August 28 by the Republic of Congo’s Forest Carbon Task Force, led by Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso. The task force recognized the importance of the high-integrity forests, which remove an estimated 1.8 billion tons of CO2 annually. Without these forests, global temperatures could already be 0.5°C higher.

Despite their importance, the world’s high-integrity forests are in decline, with 12% lost between 2000 and 2020. These forests are increasingly vulnerable to fragmentation and degradation, a reality that underscores the urgency of new conservation efforts.

Richard Malonga, WCS Congo Country Director, emphasized the importance of protecting these forests: “With threats to high integrity forests constantly evolving and increasing, our efforts must be relentless. Congo is fortunate to have many of these forests, and we are proud to partner with the government to pilot this innovative mechanism for their long-term protection.”

Unlike traditional forest financing tools, HIFOR focuses on preserving ecological integrity rather than compensating for deforestation emissions. HIFOR units are non-compensatory, tradable assets that provide a way for governments and communities to protect their forests while developing low-carbon, sustainable economies.

WCS plans to pilot HIFOR in collaboration with local governments and communities to ensure transparency and long-term success. “Early HIFOR projects will be individually audited to maintain quality and transparency,” noted Malonga.

For over 30 years, WCS has been a crucial partner in the conservation of global wildlife and ecosystems, contributing to the management of national parks and the protection of biodiversity on the planet.

As the world grapples with climate change and biodiversity loss, initiatives like HIFOR offer a beacon of hope, providing both ecological and financial solutions to safeguard the planet’s most vital ecosystems.

The funding is part of a $61 million investment approved by the governing board of the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) under the Nature, People, and Climate (NPC) investment program to support climate change interventions in the Dominican Republic and Rwanda.

The CIF NPC program, launched in June 2022, deploys nature-based solutions that acknowledge linkages among land use, climate-change mitigation and adaptation, and the improvement of the sources of livelihoods of rural communities and Indigenous people.

CIF said the funding will help address systemic challenges holding back vulnerable populations in the Kaduha-Gitwe corridor and also support the launch of the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Bond, an innovative capital market structured bond to promote biodiversity, including endangered chimpanzees. Both projects are implemented by the World Bank and co-financing of up to $283 million is expected.

In the Kaduha-Gitwe corridor, the plan will prioritize the restoration of degraded land and the sustainable management of forests and wetlands. It encompasses five sectors in Nyamagabe District, Southern Province: Kaduha, Kibumbwe, Mbazi, Mugano, and Musange; three sectors in Ruhango District: Bweramana, Kinihira, and Kabagari; and two sectors in Nyanza District: Nyagisozi and Cyabakamyi.

CIF’s $370 million Nature, People, and Climate investment program supports the development of nature-based solutions in low- and middle-income countries, ranging from small island developing states to sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. It funds initiatives that recognize the interdependence of land use, climate-change mitigation and adaptation, and the improvement of livelihoods for rural communities and Indigenous peoples.

While announcing the funding, Tariye Gbadegesin, the CEO of Climate Investment Funds, termed the climate ambitions of both Rwanda and the Dominican Republic as “impressive”.

“Their programs will bring co-benefits such as improved biodiversity and enhanced livelihoods, with a specific focus on vulnerable groups such as Indigenous peoples and local communities,” the CEO stated.

Dr Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, the Minister of Environment, welcomed the funding, saying Rwanda’s participation in the CIF NPC program is instrumental in securing a resilient and prosperous future for all Rwandans.

“We are immensely proud that Rwanda has been selected for the CIF Nature, People and Climate (NPC) program. This achievement is a testament to the robust collaboration among our diverse stakeholders, including Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), government agencies, district authorities, civil society, and the private sector.

“Together, we have laid a solid foundation that will not only enhance the livelihoods of our vulnerable communities but also foster innovation in conservation efforts, exemplified by the introduction of a wildlife conservation bond. This initiative promises to enhance climate adaptation and create sustainable economic opportunities while protecting our rich biodiversity, ensuring a resilient and thriving future for all Rwandans,” the minister stated.

Normally, the average rainfall in the first half of May ranges between 30 and 100 millimeters.

This expected rainfall, according to the agency, will result from a convergence of breezes in the region where Rwanda is located, and the topography of each area.

Rainfall between 160 and 200 millimeters is the highest forecasted in many areas of districts including Musanze, Ngororero, and Rutsiro. Rainfall ranging from 140 to 160 millimeters is expected in some parts of the Western Province and in central areas towards the western parts of districts such as Gakenke and Nyamagabe.

In the City of Kigali, rainfall is expected to be between 60 and 140 millimeters.

Due to the heavy rain that has been falling recently and the already saturated soil, from May 1 to May 4, consequences of heavy and continuous rainfall are expected, including flooding, landslides, and soil erosion in steep areas that are not protected against erosion. These effects could particularly impact the Northern, Southern, and Western Provinces.

The Ministry of Emergency Management recently reported that in a conducted survey, 326 locations were identified as vulnerable to disasters related to rainfall, particularly the impending rainfall during this period.

The Ministry has urged residents in high-risk areas to relocate early to avoid the consequences of these disasters.

The recognition by Environmental Finance follows BRD’s inaugural Rwf30 billion bond issue in September 2023, in partnership with the World Bank. The bond which was listed on the Rwanda Stock Exchange was issued in a bid to mobilise private capital and to diversify its funding sources, which aligns with Rwanda’s sustainable development goals.

The Development Bank of Rwanda’s inaugural bond’s structure was support by three Key Performance Indicators which include increasing environmental, social and governance compliance in the financial sector, increasing loans to women-led SMEs from 15% to 30% of BRD’s portfolio, and financing affordable housing by 2028.

Speaking at the launch of BRD’s inaugural bond in September 2023, CEO Kampeta Sayinzoga pointed out that by issuing the first ever bond, BRD is effectively diversifying its source of development finance by tapping into the local capital market for the first time which will ensure that BRD is no longer solely reliant on international credit lines thereby further sophisticating its resource mobilization efforts.

“We are also happy to report that the proceedings of Sustainability Linked Bond are currently being utilized as intended.”

As of January 2024, it was confirmed that Rw15 billion of the Rwf 30 billion would be allocated to Kigali bus operators in a bid to curb the challenges being faced by Kigali’s public transportation system.

The Environmental Finance Sustainable Debt Awards celebrate the leading green, social, sustainable, and sustainability-linked bond and loan deals and recognize market innovations. The Awards also seek to recognize those that excel, innovate, and contribute to the successful development of the market.

The contest, aimed at engaging youth in water conservation efforts, targets students enrolled in programs related to water resources, climate, urban planning, and geography.

Speaking during the launch of the competition on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, Bernard Musana Segatagara, the Head of the Knowledge and Forecasting Hub Department at RWB, said that participants will be required to develop models aimed at solving common issues in water management, including floods and conservation.

“It will be mainly a rainfall-runoff model. That means the relationship between the rainfall that falls and the water that we have in the river, which is governed by many things, including evapotranspiration, the topography, the form of the river, geometry of the catchment, and many other factors,” Segatara said, adding that the participants will use existing data to guide them in designing the models.

The participants are required to use the HEC-HMS or SWAT model to produce a well-calibrated hydrological model for any of the four Level 2.5 Rwandan sub-catchments, including Kamiranzovu, Sebeya Pfunda, Sebeya Bihongoro, and Mbirurume.

Notably, HEC-HMS and SWAT are hydrological models that simulate water movement through watersheds, also known as drainage basins.

Interested candidates have until April 19, 2024, to register. Based on the submissions, RWB will select students who will participate in the challenge. Selected students will have until June to submit model files and documentation to pave the way for review and selection of winners.

Seven finalists will pocket a total of RWF3.8 million in prize money, with the first winner walking away with RWF1 million. The first and second runners-up will receive RWF800,000 and RWF600,000 respectively.

The remaining candidates will be awarded RWF500,000 (4th place), RWF400,000 (5th place), RWF300,000 (6th place), and RWF200,000 (7th place).

Besides the prize money, all the participants will benefit from networking and capacity building.

Gisele Igiraneza and Karekezi Jean Pierre are among the students from the University of Rwanda who have expressed interest in participating in the contest.

The two final-year Civil Engineering students attended the launch of the hackathon in the company of their lecturers, including Professor Garba Wali Umara.

“Participating in the hackathon will help me put the skills learned in class into real life and solve problems in water management. For example, in May last year, in Rubavu District, there were floods in Sebeya River which killed many people and destroyed property. The models will help prevent such disasters,” said Pierre, who also doubles up as Coordinator of the Young Water Professionals Chapter of the University of Rwanda.”

RWB is running the contest in partnership with Arcos Network, an international organization focusing on conservation and community development.

Jacqueline Ntukamazina, the Director, Development, Operations and External Relations at Arcos Network, said the contest will empower local youth in terms of water resources management and problems affecting natural resources, and how communities can be more engaged in water conservation.

She highlighted that the main challenges affecting local natural resources include pollution, catchment degradation causing sedimentation, and biodiversity losses.

Rainfall ranging between 100 and 300 mm is expected across the country, with the first 10 days forecasted to record slightly above the Long-Term Mean (LTM) in many parts of the country.

“The expected rainfall in April 2024 will be slightly above the range of Long-Term Mean (LTM) in western parts of the country and in range of LTM in the remaining parts of the country. The first dekad of April is expected to record slightly above the LTM in many parts of the country, the second and third dekads are expected to record rainfall in the range of LTM,” the met department said.

The weatherman has attributed the pattern to the positive phase of Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and persistence of El-Nino conditions in the Pacific Ocean.

According to the agency, higher amount of rainfall ranging between 260 and 300 mm is expected over eastern parts of Rusizi and Nyamasheke, western part of Nyamagabe and northern parts Rutsiro, Musanze and Burera Districts.

Rainfall ranging between 220 and 260 mm is expected in the remaining parts of Western Province, remaining parts of Musanze and Burera Districts, western part of Nyaruguru, central part of Nyamagabe and northern parts of Gakenke District.

Additionally, rainfall ranging between 100 and 140 mm is the lowest expected in eastern parts of Kigali City, Nyagatare, Gatsibo, Kayonza, Rwamagana, Kirehe, Ngoma and Bugesera Districts.

“The remaining parts of the country is expected to receive rainfall ranging between 140 and 200 mm,” the agency added.

The forecast comes at a time when most parts of Rwanda continue to receive heavy rainfall which began on Sunday morning.

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On the other hand, moderate to strong wind speed ranging between 6m/s and 8m/s is expected over Western Province, western parts of Nyamagabe, Ngororero, Nyabihu and Musanze, many parts of Gicumbi, Burera, Rulindo, Nyagatare, Gatsibo, Kayonza and Kirehe Districts.

The rest of the country is expected to experience moderate wind speed ranging between 4 and 6 m/s.

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The temperature forecast for April shows that the mean maximum temperature will range between 18°C and 28°C. This is a lower temperature compared to the recorded temperatures in March 2024.

Moreover, temperatures ranging between 26°C and 28°C are expected to be the highest in April 2024 across many parts of Nyarugenge, Kicukiro, Bugesera, the western parts of Ngoma, the eastern parts of Nyagatare, Kayonza, and Gatsibo Districts, as well as the Bugarama plain and the northeastern part of Gisagara District.

“The lowest maximum temperature is expected to range between 18°C and 20°C in eastern part of Rubavu, many parts of Nyabihu, northern parts of Musanze, in Rubavu district, most parts of Nyabihu district, in the hills of Musanze and Burera districts, in the southwest of Nyamagabe district and in the lower part of Ngororero district,” the agency stated.

Located in Jiangsu Province, Lake Taihu, China’s third-largest freshwater marvel, extends its serene waters across 2,250 square kilometers.

The project’s origins trace back to June 2002 when TDC made history by leading the 863 environmental dredging pilot project in Wuli Lake, laying the groundwork for the ambitious Taihu Lake project. TDC has since distinguished itself in the field of environmental projects in China, boasting the longest operational frontline and the most extensive dredging area, with nearly 10 million cubic meters of sediment removed.

On September 1st, 2023, TDC took a significant stride forward by entering into a strategic partnership with the Wuxi Municipal Government. This collaboration led to the creation of a state-of-the-art, multifunctional integrated dredging equipment that sets new benchmarks in efficiency, environmental sustainability, and safety for dredging operations. This innovative solution combines ecological dredging, sediment dewatering and drying, and tail water treatment, addressing the limitations of conventional dredging techniques.

In October 2023, the unveiling of the Taihu Star, the world’s premier intelligent integrated platform ship for ecological dredging, marked a milestone in China’s pursuit of innovation. The fleet, including Taihu Junqing No.1, Taihu Star No.1, and Taihu Star No.2, represents the pinnacle of environmental dredging technology, with a remarkable daily dredging capacity of 5000 cubic meters and advanced sludge pressure filtration and solidification capabilities. The Taihu Star symbolizes the symbiotic relationship between technological advancement and ecological preservation.

The project embarked on its latest phase on March 7, 2024, in the Meiliang Lake area, heralding a renewed commitment to the ecological restoration of Taihu Lake. Focusing on sediment sludge with medium to high levels of pollution, the initiative aims to dredge over 8.3 million cubic meters of sediment across a 28.9 square meter area. The deployment of the Taihu Star in this endeavor highlights a leap in dredging efficiency, water quality enhancement, and algae control, echoing the “Beauty of Taihu Lake” ethos, which contrasts sharply with the pollution and algae blooms that once compromised the lake’s health in 2007.

Recent data underscores significant improvements in water quality, with 2023 witnessing the fewest algae outbreaks since the environmental crisis began. The expansion of aquatic vegetation in the lake to 200 square kilometers represents a 25.8% increase compared to the previous year, contributing to the revitalization of the ecosystem vital for the 17 million inhabitants of one of China’s most populous and economically vibrant regions reliant on Lake Taihu.

With roots dating back to 1897, TDC’s legacy is a testament to its dedication to excellence in dredging and environmental conservation. As a vanguard of innovation, TDC’s fleet of over 70 modern dredgers, array of accolades, and wealth of patents exemplify its leadership in sustainable dredging solutions. TDC’s vision extends beyond mere dredging, embodying the future of environmental stewardship.

The Taihu Lake dredging initiative is a celebration of human creativity’s ability to recalibrate ecosystems. It narrates the fusion of technological progress and environmental awareness, charting a new course for the planet. As TDC pioneers this journey, the Taihu Lake project emerges as a beacon of hope, charting a sustainable course for future generations.