The implementation of the six-year investment will be jointly executed by IUCN in collaboration with the Government of Rwanda through Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA) and Enabel, the Belgian development agency as executing entities.

The project intends to restore over 60,000 ha of drought-degraded landscapes into climate resilient ecosystems through re-forestation, agroforestry, restoration of pasturelands, and erosion control measures in 7 districts of the Eastern Province of Rwanda, namely Kirehe, Kayonza, Gatsibo, Ngoma as well as Bugesera districts.

The project will promote improved clean and efficient cooking energy technologies to more than 100,000 households in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. It will also develop climate resilient markets and supply chains to incentivize public and private investments in forests, increase the capacity of communities to renew and sustainably manage forests and agroforestry resources, and support smallholder farmers to adopt climate-resilient agriculture.

Commenting on the development; Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, Rwanda’s Minister of Finance and Economic Planning said: “We believe that the TREPA project will strongly transform Rwanda’s Eastern Province through adaptation and it will make it resilient to climate change.”

Reaffirming IUCN’s commitment to support work of the Government of Rwanda and its partners, IUCN Regional Director for Eastern & Southern Africa, Luther Anukur reiterated commitment to work with partners to implement impactful projects.

“With the continued impact of climate change, Africa is facing more frequent droughts and floods. This new project TREPA seeks to contribute to Rwanda’s improved adaptation to climate change through a holistic approach with communities living in the degraded landscapes of Eastern Rwanda. In partnership with Rwanda Government, IUCN is committed to work together with various private sector and NGO partners for a systems wide change.”

The implementation of the six-year investment will be jointly executed by IUCN in collaboration with Government of Rwanda through Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA), Enabel, the Belgian development agency, as Executing Entities with other partners including ICRAF, World Vision, and the Interchurches Organization for Development Cooperation (ICCO) will also be involved in this project implementation.

“Enabel is delighted to join forces with IUCN and the Government of Rwanda in this partnership with the Green Climate Fund,” said Jean Van Wetter, the Managing Director of Enabel.

“We believe this project has great potential to help transform Rwanda’s Eastern Province by promoting forest and landscape restoration. Global challenges require local and adapted solutions as well as multi-stakeholder and integrated approaches.

We are strongly committed to the success of this project and to contribute to Rwanda’s efforts in fighting climate change, promoting sustainable resource management, and improving the livelihoods and resilience of its people,” he added.