Restoring Giciye River Buffer Zone

Giciye River, flowing through Nyabihu District, has increasingly caused severe flooding and landslides, particularly during the rainy season. These natural disasters have had devastating effects on local communities. Floodwaters from the river frequently overflow onto surrounding lands, resulting in the tragic loss of lives and significant crop damage.

Farmland along the riverbanks has been eroded, reducing agricultural productivity and causing food insecurity for local residents. Livestock and other animals are often swept away or injured during floods, further impacting local livelihoods. Landslides, triggered by the river’s overflow and the steep terrain, have destroyed homes and infrastructure, forcing families to relocate. Addressing these hazards through effective restoration efforts along the Giciye River is essential for improving safety, stabilizing soils, and reducing the risk of such tragic losses in the future.

Wildlife Conservation Initiative (WCI) began a transformative restoration along the Giciye River buffer zone. Through the strategic planting of resilient indigenous trees, WCI aims to boost biodiversity, fortify soil stability, and reduce soil erosion and landslides, all while supporting sustainable development for local communities.

Key Actions in the Giciye River Buffer Zone Restoration

Strategic Selection of Native Tree Species
Following careful ecological assessments and consultations with local communities, WCI selected four indigenous tree species: Ficus thonningii, Erythrina abyssinica, Markhamia lutea, and Polyscias fulva for their adaptability to the local environment. These trees are chosen for their ability to enhance biodiversity and strengthen the ecological resilience of the Giciye River area.

Community Engagement and Education
To deepen community involvement, WCI has conducted awareness campaigns through conservation clubs, sports for conservation events, and traditional community gatherings (Inteko z’abaturage). These activities raise awareness about the ecological, economic and social benefits of indigenous tree restoration and encourage sustainable land management practices among local residents.

Intensive Tree Planting Campaigns
WCI has mobilized local volunteers to actively participate in planting events during community work, ensuring that communities are directly involved in restoring their environment.

Challenges Faced

-Nursery Seedling Survival: Some seedlings have faced survival challenges, requiring more intensive replanting and care efforts.

-Topographical Constraints: The rugged terrain and steep slopes increase transportation costs and labor requirements, making reforestation work more demanding.

Future Vision and Strategic Goals

By restoring the Giciye River buffer zone, WCI is establishing a strong foundation for long-term biodiversity and sustainable land management. Key goals moving forward include:

-Comprehensive Monitoring: WCI will continue tracking the impact of restoration on soil health, biodiversity, and community well-being.

-Expanding to additional River Zones: Building on early success, WCI plans to extend indigenous tree planting to other vulnerable river buffer zones in Rwanda, promoting a broader ecosystem recovery across the region.

The encouraging growth of species like Erythrina abyssinica and Markhamia lutea underscores the importance of native species selection tailored to specific environmental needs. With this targeted approach, WCI aims to establish a replicable model for sustainable reforestation and conservation in Rwanda’s vital river buffer zones.