A consultation meeting and launch of the project: Promoting Indigenous Trees by Restoring Mukungwa River Buffer Zone in Nyabihu District

On March 13th, 2024, a pivotal consultation meeting was held at the Nyabihu District meeting hall, drawing participants from Nyabihu district, Rugera, and Shyira sectors.

This gathering brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including the Madam Mayor of Nyabihu district, military and police officials, agricultural and forestry officers, environmental protection officers, and youth representative.

The meeting commenced with a warm welcome from SHEMA Serge, the founder and Executive Director of Wildlife Conservation Initiative (WCI), who introduced the attendees to WCI's mission and insights on collaborative project between WCI and Terra Fund Afr100, titled "Promoting Indigenous Trees by Restoring Mukungwa River Buffer Zone in Nyabihu District" and asking mayor Madam Mayor of Nyabihu district a floor to present the project.

With exceptional hospitality, the Mayor of Nyabihu district extended a warm welcome to Wildlife Conservation Initiative, introducing personnel from Nyabihu district, as well as representatives from the Rugera and Shyira sectors, and graciously offered them the opportunity to present their project.

Following this introduction, SAFARI Claude, co-founder, and restoration project manager, presented the project's objectives, methodology and benefits to local community

The project aims to preserve indigenous trees to safeguard the Mukungwa riverbank against erosion, enhance water quality, and create habitats for endemic species”.

Through local community engagement, the project seeks to raise awareness about the importance of preserving indigenous trees and their ecological significance in maintaining a healthy buffer zone along the Mukungwa River.

Over the course of two years, a total of 70,000 trees will be planted, comprising 59,500 indigenous trees and 10,500 agroforestry trees across a 104-hectare area. The project will utilize restoration techniques such as riparian and agroforestry approaches, with a targeted survival rate of 70% facilitated by local community engagement and digital monitoring.

Moreover, the project aims to create 109 jobs and empower 1,000 community members, particularly women, youth, and small-scale farmers. Stakeholder breakdowns reveal a commitment to inclusivity and sustainability, with a focus on supporting small-scale farmers through initiatives such as beekeeping projects and egg hatching machines.

Looking ahead, the project aligns with the goals of Nyabihu District, promising environmental rejuvenation and socio-economic empowerment. The support and collaboration of Nyabihu District authorities are crucial for the successful implementation of this endeavor.

During the meeting, stakeholders expressed positive feedback, highlighting the project's scientifically validated methodology, its leadership by youth, and its demonstration of restoring indigenous trees while safeguarding cultural heritage and history, as well as addressing erosion concerns.

Stakeholders actively contributed insights and posed questions, fostering a collaborative atmosphere aimed at achieving project success. Taking into account feedback from stakeholders, it is imperative to incorporate Grevelia robusta among trees designated for planting.

Moreover, engaging local leaders in the process of selecting beneficiaries and delineating the boundaries of the buffer zone along the Mukungwa river is crucial for effectively managing potential conflicts.

In conclusion, the Mayor of Nyabihu district expressed heartfelt gratitude to Wildlife Conservation Initiative for the impactful project and emphasized the importance of collective efforts in achieving shared objectives.

The Mayor warmly embraced the project, emphasizing the need for its expansion to cover a broader area to mitigate Nyabihu district's struggles with landslides, erosion, and other natural disasters.As she aptly remarked, "Being together, everything is possible".

Key Takeaways and Outcomes

(i)          Collaborative Stakeholder Engagement: The consultation meeting demonstrated the power of bringing together diverse stakeholders, including district and sector officials, community representatives, and environmental experts, to discuss and support restoration initiatives. Other champions could learn from this approach by prioritizing inclusivity and collaboration in their own projects.

(ii)  Clear project objectives and benefits: Wildlife Conservation Initiative (WCI) effectively communicated the objectives and benefits of the project, emphasizing the importance of preserving indigenous trees for erosion control, water quality enhancement, and habitat creation. Champions can learn the importance of clearly articulating project goals and their broader environmental and socio-economic impacts.

(iii)Community engagement and empowerment: The project's focus on engaging and empowering local communities, particularly women, youth, and small-scale farmers, is commendable. By involving community members in restoration activities, the project aims to create jobs and foster environmental stewardship. Other champions can match this approach by prioritizing community involvement and capacity building in their own initiatives.

(iv) Scientifically validated methodology: Stakeholders praised the project's scientifically validated methodology, which combines riparian and agroforestry approaches for effective restoration. This demonstrates the importance of evidence-based practices in conservation efforts, inspiring other champions to prioritize research and data-driven decision-making.

(v)  Supportive Government Leadership: The Mayor of Nyabihu district expressed strong support for the project and emphasized the importance of collective action in achieving shared objectives. Other champions can seek to build similar partnerships with local authorities to enhance project sustainability and impact.

(vi) Continuous Feedback and Adaptation: Stakeholders provided valuable feedback during the consultation meeting, highlighting the importance of incorporating local perspectives and addressing community concerns. Champions can learn from this example by prioritizing stakeholder engagement throughout the project lifecycle and being receptive to feedback for continuous improvement.

"Check out our informative video of A consultation meeting and launch of the project: Promoting Indigenous Trees by Restoring Mukungwa River Buffer Zone in Nyabihu District via the link: https://youtu.be/GhjuJ5fhsN8?si=mRjNReRmyIsZLGQx"