Ecosystem Restoration in Rwanda: Ways Forward

We are excited to share the April 2025 Ecosystem Restoration Position Paper, a collaborative work by leading scientists and practitioners working on restoration in Rwanda.

📌 This position paper outlines 7 concrete recommendations to strengthen restoration practice and policy in line with Rwanda’s Green Economy and Development Strategy. It draws from new scientific findings and field-based insights, many of which are yet to be officially published but hold urgent relevance for action today.

🔍 Key Recommendations:

🌱 Efforts to use native species in restoration must be greatly increased.

🏡Homegardens must be included in restoration strategies because they are pivotal for both nutrition and biodiversity.

🔬 Science can help to guide the development of a sustainable corridor from Nyungwe NP to Gishwati-Mukura NP and Volcanoes NP.

📈 Short-term and long-term considerations are needed to enhance livelihoods and nutrition.

🤝 Genuine community involvement is important at all stages of restoration, from planning to monitoring.

📚 The best available science must be used to evaluate restoration policy and practice.

🌍 A shift in mindsets is required to move away from simple metrics of ‘trees planted’ to a culture of collectively growing ecosystems that will benefit people and biodiversity.

We call on all government agencies, NGOs, and community leaders to integrate these insights for more effective and equitable ecosystem restoration.

Access the full position paper and open-access resources here: Ecosystem Restoration

Thank You.