A week ago, these infernos ignited in various parts of Los Angeles, starting in its northern regions. The U.S. National Weather Service had issued prior warnings, alerting residents to the impending danger that was expected to peak at 10 a.m. on January 6, 2024.
At that exact time, the fire began in the Palisades, a Los Angeles suburb. Initially small, the blaze rapidly escalated, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, consuming homes, vegetation, vehicles, and other assets.
The destruction has been catastrophic, with damages valued between $52 billion and $57 billion, making it the worst wildfire in Los Angeles’ history. Zephany Nsengumuremyi, an Environmental Health Expert based in Kigali, shares views on why wildfires are becoming more devastating worldwide.
“Wildfires today are a dangerous mix of climate change, urbanization, and human activities. As temperatures rise and vegetation dries out, the smallest spark can ignite a massive blaze,” he says. The exact cause of the Los Angeles fire remains unclear, with speculations ranging from lightning strikes to electrical faults or discarded cigarette butts.
Nsengumuremyi says that while natural events like lightning can start wildfires, human activity remains a major driver. Careless actions, coupled with poorly managed ecosystems, set the stage for such disasters.
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles highlight the escalating impact of climate change. Prolonged dry spells, erratic winds, and heavy rains that spur vegetation growth (only for it to dry out later,) create ideal conditions for wildfires.
“Climate change is altering weather patterns in ways we can no longer ignore. Events like the Santa Ana winds, which reached speeds of 129 kilometers per hour during this disaster, turn fires into unstoppable infernos,” Nsengumuremyi explained.
Such winds are not unique to California. Globally, erratic wind patterns have contributed to wildfires and other natural disasters, causing significant structural damage and threatening ecosystems.
Available data indicates that wildfires can burn as much as 1,704 hectares in a single day, or 2.3 million hectares annually. These staggering figures raise concerns about the sustainability of living in high-risk areas prone to such disasters.
Urbanization has also played a significant role for example, California’s haphazard development has disrupted ecosystems and increased the vulnerability of many areas to wildfires.
“When cities expand into forests or grasslands without proper planning, they create a collision course with nature. The result is more frequent and severe wildfires,” Nsengumuremyi noted.
The toll of these disasters extends beyond physical destruction. Insurance companies face mounting losses as they compensate for damages, and even advanced technologies like surveillance cameras have proven insufficient in preventing such tragedies.
While technology is a valuable tool, it cannot replace proactive measures such as building fire-resistant infrastructure and managing land use responsibly. Experts recommend various strategies to mitigate wildfire risks, including constructing homes with fire-resistant materials and ensuring communities are not situated too close to forests
Leaders are urged to establish clear and effective emergency protocols to protect lives and property during such disasters. “Preparedness and prevention are the keys to reducing the impact of wildfires. Governments must prioritize education and policies that address both human activities and climate change,” Nsengumuremyi advised.
The recent wildfires in California rekindle memories of other devastating events, including those in Chile and Greece in 2024 and Canada and the UK in 2023. These tragedies underscore the urgent need for global action.
As these disasters grow more frequent and intense, humanity’s resilience is being tested like never before. The world is at a critical juncture and the respond to these challenges will determine the future of the planet and the safety of generations to come.
In the first phase of the the GAH project, the government has decided to tap water from the Akagera River using electric-powered machines. The captured water is stored in a 123,000 m³ reservoir before flowing through a 21 km canal. Along this canal, there are pumping stations that distribute water across 5,600 hectares.
The objective is to attract private investment into the agricultural sector with some success already evident.
“We already have seven private investors in the first phase, coming from the United States, Bulgaria, Kenya, and Zimbabwe.
They will cultivate crops such as maize, beans, soybeans, avocado, macadamia nuts, chili peppers, hazelnuts, wheat, and potatoes,” explained Ngarambe Aloysius, GAH’s CEO.
The GAH has already distributed plots to seven private investors. Land distribution began in March 2024, with investors generally given one year to prepare. Some have already begun putting up infrastructure developments.
This is a multi-faceted beneficial project because with the irrigation system, once farming begins, investors will be able to cultivate year-round without interruption. Throughout the 21 km canal, there are mini-pumping stations to distribute water across 5,600 hectares.
“As investments increase, production rises, and thus, a solution to food security is found. For maize, for example, productivity is expected to increase from 4 tons to 11 tons per hectare,” said Ngarambe.
This project will provide jobs for over 6,500 people throughout the entire production chain. While its primary goal is food security, not all of the produce will be sold on the local market. Some products will be exported after processing, thus earning foreign currency. Another significant benefit is the transfer of knowledge and expertise.
“When such investors come into the country, they introduce new technologies. The local farmer with nearby land learns something. This helps them gradually abandon traditional farming methods and adopt modern techniques,” Ngarambe emphasized.
However, the investment is costly. So far, the government has invested $118 million into the first phase of the project. “A private investor would not easily engage in this project because the money invested cannot be recouped in two, three, or even four years. It’s a long-term project, and such investments are usually made by the state,” explained Ngarambe.
{{Government leasing land to farmers}}
The 5,600 hectares distributed to private investors belong to the local population. The government has decided to lease this land annually.
“When a farmer provides land to the project, 75% of it goes to the state. The state then allocates it to private investors. The remaining 25% is returned to the landowner after being developed to enable them to sustain themselves. The 75% is leased out, and the farmer is paid annually,” revealed Ngarambe.
This project will make the agricultural sector more productive, market-oriented, and resilient to climate change. Out of the 5,600 hectares developed by the government, only 3,724 hectares have been reserved for private investors. The second phase, which is set to begin in two years, will also develop 10,000 hectares.
The GAH project aligns with the second phase of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), aiming to make agriculture more productive, market-oriented, and resilient to climate change.
The year was marked by several high-profile initiatives, collaborations, and projects aimed at tackling climate challenges and advancing the nation’s goals of reducing emissions, conserving biodiversity, and fostering sustainable urban development.
From groundbreaking climate talks with Germany to cutting-edge waste management projects, Rwanda’s environmental journey in 2024 highlighted both local and global engagement.
This round-up brings together the key milestones, offering a comprehensive view of how the country continued its pursuit of a green, sustainable future.
{{Rwanda and Germany launch quarterly Kigali climate talks
}}
One of the most significant developments in Rwanda’s environmental sector in 2024 was the launch of the Kigali Climate Talks in May.
This quarterly series, a collaboration between Rwanda and Germany, was inaugurated by Rwanda’s then Minister of Environment, Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, and German Ambassador Heike Uta Dettmann.
The talks aimed to foster dialogue on climate change, sustainability, and joint action.
The first session focused on Rwanda’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, with discussions centred on the financial, technical, and capacity-building reforms needed to achieve Rwanda’s climate goals.
Dr. Mujawamariya reaffirmed Rwanda’s strong commitment to global climate targets and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the private sector, youth, and international partners in realizing the nation’s vision of carbon neutrality by 2050.
The talks will continue to provide a platform for actionable solutions, deepening the Rwanda-Germany climate partnership.
{{Rwanda inaugurates first municipal waste valorization facilities
}}
In June, Rwanda took another significant step towards environmental sustainability with the inauguration of its first municipal waste valorization facilities at the Nduba dumpsite.
This initiative, part of the ‘Waste to Resources Project,’ aims to revolutionize the country’s approach to waste management by transforming waste into valuable resources.
Funded by Luxembourg’s Ministry of Environment and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the project includes a waste sorting facility capable of processing 100 tons of waste daily, and a bio-waste treatment plant that turns organic waste into fertilizers.
Over the past few years, Rwanda has also implemented household waste sorting programs, awareness campaigns, and reverse vending machines in Kigali to promote recycling.
The waste valorization project not only helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 15,000 tons annually but also creates green jobs, advancing Rwanda’s vision of a zero-waste circular economy by 2035.
{{Rwanda, Sweden forge climate cooperation
}}
In September, Rwanda strengthened its international climate partnerships by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sweden.
This agreement focused on implementing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which allows countries to collaborate on carbon markets and trade carbon credits to achieve more significant emissions reductions.
Rwanda’s Ministry of Environment and the Swedish Energy Agency will work together on capacity building, technical analysis, and the development of work plans to advance both countries’ climate goals.
The collaboration is a testament to Rwanda’s growing role in global climate leadership and Sweden’s commitment to supporting emission reduction efforts in Africa.
Environment Minister Dr. Valentine Uwamariya emphasized that the partnership would help Rwanda meet its NDCs while fostering sustainable development.
{{Green Climate Fund approves $28 million for Kigali’s green city initiative
}}
Rwanda’s urban sustainability efforts received a boost in October with the announcement of a $28 million grant from the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
The grant will support the Green City Kigali project, which aims to transform Kigali into a model of sustainable urbanization with climate-resilient infrastructure.
As Kigali grows rapidly, nearly 77% of its population lives in informal settlements vulnerable to climate risks such as flooding and landslides.
The Green City initiative seeks to upgrade these settlements, incorporating sustainable solutions to improve climate resilience.
Over the next five years, the project will position Kigali as a regional leader in climate-conscious urban planning, reducing emissions and improving living conditions for residents.
Rwanda unveils AI-powered ‘interspecies money’ for gorilla conservation
In November, Rwanda launched an innovative conservation initiative, “Interspecies Money,” aimed at supporting gorilla conservation in Volcanoes National Park.
This AI-powered platform allows tourists to make real-time, symbolic contributions to conservation efforts through digital wallets.
The funds directly support vital activities such as hiring park rangers and protecting gorilla habitats.
The platform also provides income-generating opportunities for local communities, such as wildlife photography and conservation reporting.
{{Kigali to phase out petrol-powered motorbikes
}}
Rwanda’s push for clean mobility took a significant step forward in November with the announcement of a plan to phase out petrol-powered motorcycles in Kigali by January 2025.
The policy requires all new entrants into the motorcycle taxi business to use electric motorcycles, while existing petrol-powered bikes can continue operating for the time being.
This transition is part of Rwanda’s broader environmental strategy, aimed at reducing air pollution and improving air quality in urban areas.
The country is already investing in the infrastructure needed to support electric vehicles, such as battery swapping stations.
The move reflects Rwanda’s commitment to sustainable transport solutions, and it is expected to reduce carbon emissions while improving air quality in Kigali.
{{Rwanda leads global call for a treaty to end plastic pollution
}}
Rwanda continued to play a leadership role in global environmental advocacy in November 2024, when it called for a legally binding treaty to address plastic pollution at the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5).
As Co-Chair of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, Rwanda urged nations to adopt a treaty that addresses the entire lifecycle of plastic pollution and promotes sustainable alternatives.
The country also advocated for a Multilateral Fund to help developing nations meet the treaty’s obligations, highlighting the disproportionate impact of plastic pollution on vulnerable communities.
Rwanda’s call for a global treaty reflects its long-standing commitment to reducing plastic waste and protecting the environment.
{{Rwanda’s call for global action on climate change at COP29
}}
At the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) held in November, Rwanda joined global leaders in calling for urgent action to combat climate change.
Minister Uwamariya stressed the severe impacts of climate change on Rwanda’s economy, noting that the country is already experiencing extreme weather events such as floods and droughts.
Rwanda’s commitment to reducing emissions by 38% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 was reaffirmed, and the country called for a more equitable climate finance framework to support developing nations.
Rwanda also urged high-emitting countries to accelerate emissions reductions and strengthen efforts to build a low-carbon future for all.
{{Rwandan ranger Claver Ntoyinkima honoured for conservation leadership
}}
In late November, Claver Ntoyinkima, a Senior Ranger Guide at Nyungwe National Park, was awarded the prestigious Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award for his outstanding contributions to primate and bird conservation in Rwanda.
Ntoyinkima’s dedication to protecting Rwanda’s biodiversity has earned him international recognition.
His work includes anti-poaching patrols, primate habituation, and guiding scientific research, as well as founding conservation clubs for local youth.
His award was presented by Prince William at the 2024 Tusk Conservation Awards in London, where he was celebrated for his tireless commitment to wildlife and community conservation.
The INC-5 meeting is scheduled to run from November 25 to December 1, 2024, at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center.
In a statement ahead of the gathering, Rwanda, as co-chair of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, reaffirmed its commitment to championing a comprehensive treaty that addresses the root causes of plastic pollution and emphasizes accountability.
“Rwanda is calling for ambitious, just, and enforceable global rules to end plastic pollution and safeguard the health of people and the planet,” reads the statement in part.
Rwanda seeks a treaty that encompasses the entire lifecycle of plastic, setting global targets to reduce plastic production to sustainable levels, promoting sustainable alternatives, and fostering vibrant circular economies. The country also stresses the need for legally binding commitments, robust monitoring mechanisms, and accountability frameworks to ensure effective implementation and meaningful progress.
Rwanda is advocating for a start-and-strengthen approach, which would allow for increasing ambition over time. The treaty must also protect and empower the most affected communities while ensuring a just transition for waste pickers and informal workers who play vital roles in managing plastic waste.
Additionally, Rwanda is proposing the establishment of a dedicated Multilateral Fund capable of supporting developing countries in meeting their treaty obligations. This would be complemented by mechanisms to attract broad-based financing to address plastic pollution comprehensively.
In the negotiations, Rwanda aims to leverage its 2008 ban on plastics to inspire global action in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability.
“For two decades, Rwanda has demonstrated its commitment to tackling plastic pollution through bold national policies and regional leadership. We are now taking these home-grown innovations to the world,” said Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment.
“At INC-5, we call on the global community to unite behind an ambitious and enforceable treaty that delivers a future free from plastic pollution,” she added.
The ban which prohibits the production, sale, and use of non-biodegradable plastic bags and packaging in Rwanda has had significant positive impacts, including cleaner streets, a boost in tourism, and enhanced environmental protection. Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, has earned recognition as the cleanest city in Africa as a result of these measures.
As the INC-5 negotiations mark the final stage of the treaty development process, Rwanda is urging all stakeholders to seize this historic moment to secure an agreement that safeguards humanity and nature.
Representatives of the growing group of 14 countries presented the course ahead in the effort to secure a negotiating mandate for a treaty.
According to Hon. Prof. Biman Prasad, the Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji. the idea of the Fossil Fuel Treaty is gaining momentum amongst governments, businesses, civil society and his country is carrying it forward to significant advances in 2025.
“The Treaty, as we see it, is a tool to address climate injustice and drive the shift needed to achieve a much needed transition to clean energy, while equitably managing the phase out of harmful fossil fuels globally,” he said.
He asserted that this proposal for a legally binding mechanism presents an opportunity to hold wealthier nations accountable for their role in the crisis while providing vulnerable nations like with the financial and technical support needed for the transition.
The time has come to respond with greater urgency, greater focus, greater solidarity. The Fossil Fuel Treaty is a key part of that response.”
Susana Muhamad, the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia acknowledged that the effort to develop a Fossil Fuel Treaty that will help achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and complement the UNFCCC process is moving to the next stage in 2025.
“As we agreed during the meeting of the ministers who are part of this initiative, we will pursue resolutions at the United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations Environmental Assembly to push forward the Fossil Fuel Treaty proposal,” she said.
“We have discussed how the treaty will address the potential implications of phasing out fossil fuels and the economic requirements of moving forward. We hope that in the next stage we will be getting the commitments of other countries keen on participating in this process,” she added.
In the same spirit, Dr. Maria Neira, Director of the Department of Public Health and Environment at the World Health Organization (WHO) said that the climate crisis is a health crisis as well affecting global health in a very serious and dramatic way.
“The combustion of fossil fuels overlaps 75% with the causes of air pollution. We will host the 2nd Conference on Air Pollution & Health, in Cartagena, Colombia in March 2025. It will be a forum where we will strengthen conversations around the Treaty, and where we will be looking at the transition and how we can help subsidize energy innovation,” she noted.
At COP29, a cross-section of Ministers and senior government officials from the endorsing nations from the Pacific, Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as observers from other countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Europe who are interested in advancing the proposal, gathered to discuss key priorities for the Fossil Fuel Treaty proposal in 2025.
The ministers agreed to explore pathways to secure a negotiating mandate for a treaty through a forum such as the UN General Assembly (UNGA) or a standalone negotiating process, and to explore a resolution on fossil fuels in the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA).
In addition to the efforts toward a complementary treaty, the Ministers also agreed they will work together in Baku to get a strong outcome at COP29 on the New Collective Quantified Goal on climate finance and the Just Transition Working Program.
The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative is spurring international cooperation to end new development of fossil fuels, phase out existing production within the agreed climate limit of 1.5°C and develop plans to support workers, communities and countries dependent on fossil fuels to create secure and healthy livelihoods.
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 financing agreement was signed by Rwanda’s Finance Minister, Yusuf Murangwa, and Italy’s Minister of Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto.
The funds will be made available through the Italian Climate Fund, managed by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) bank.
The financing is part of the Italian Mattei Plan’s energy security approach towards Africa and aims to support Rwanda’s National Climate Action Plan and to bolster Rwanda’s climate policy agenda by enhancing its resilience and adaptive capacity to the impact of global warming.
The Ministry of Finance, however, noted that the allocated resources will be made available upon the achievement of policy and institutional reforms that will “integrate aspects of climate change mitigation and adaptation into the policy and regulatory framework”.
The reforms, the ministry added, will be essential to achieve the national targets for carbon emission reduction.
“Rwanda has placed climate action at the core of its development agenda, as evidenced by our National Determined Contributions (NDCs). To effectively implement the mitigation and adaptation measures outlined in the NDCs, financial, capacity building and technology transfer are essential. Therefore, the agreement we have signed today will significantly contribute to this endeavour, estimated at US$ 11 billion,” Murangwa remarked.
The Italian minister, on his part, expressed confidence in the investment addressing primary drivers of climate-related hazards.
“Italy, through the Climate Fund, continues its efforts to create the best conditions for growth on the African continent. With Rwanda, we will invest in planning, which is necessary to address the major climate issues affecting that region,” the minister stated.
The financing is part of a broader partnership involving multilateral and bilateral financing institutions. These include the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which provided a $319 million Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) agreement to Rwanda in 2022. Other partners include the World Bank Group, the European Union (EU), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and other European development financing institutions through the Team Europe Initiative.
Rwanda’s climate action journey has been quite remarkable as it was one of the first countries to ban plastic bags in 2008 and single-use plastics in 2019. Under the country’s Vision 2050, Rwanda has a bold vision to become a carbon-neutral and climate-resilient economy by the middle of the century.
The government has an ambitious target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 38% by 2030, equivalent to an estimated mitigation of up to 4.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e).
The country’s efforts to limit its contribution to climate change and adapt to the consequences of a warming planet over the next decade are estimated at US $11 billion, made up of $5.7 billion for mitigation, and $5.3 billion for adaptation.
{{Rwanda secures $31 million funding from ICF
}}
The Rwandan government recently also secured $31 million (approximately RWF 40 billion) to bolster its fight against climate change.
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.
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.
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.
