The Ministry of Environment through the Rwanda Water and Forestry Authority (RWFA) will launch on 9^th November 2019, the Forests Planting Season 2019-2020 while celebrating the 44^th Anniversary of National Forest  Planting Day 2019.

This event which will attract Government Officials, Private Sectors and residents will take place in Rukumberi Sector, Ngoma District where agroforestry trees will be planted on 80 hectares around Mugesera Lake during special community work “Umuganda.” the theme of this year is ‘’Forests for community livelihood ’’ or ‘’ Amashyamba ni Inkingi y’Imibereho Myiza y’Abaturage’’

2019/2020 forest planting season will be dedicated to increasing community involvement and ownership in restoration of the small private woodlots for the sound productivity, impact and sustainability. Agroforestry trees will be planted on contour lines made in collaboration with communities on farmlands. The ornamental trees will be planted on roads and roundabouts, roundabouts, IDP model villages, roadsides and green spaces. To increase productivity of our existing forest resources, the 2019/2020 forests planting campaign will focus on rehabilitation and restoration of small forest woodlots grouped into forest management units (FMUs)

During the season, a total of 13,241 ha of agroforestry, 3,407 ha of classic forests and 428,785 fruit trees will be planted while 609 ha of degraded private woodlots (FMUs) will be restored to increase their productivity.  To ensure continuity and sustainability of forest planting program, forests will be planted on the consolidated lands for either agroforestry or woodlots. Citizens will also be sensitised to plant trees especially fruits trees in the compounds around their homes as well as in their agricultural lands.

About Rwanda’s Forest Sector

The current country forest cover is 30.4% of the coutry’s total land equivalent to 724,666 hectares. This includes Forest plantation (53%), Wooded savannah (21%), Natural forest (19%), Shrubland (6%), degraded shrubland (0.2%),  and bamboo stand (0.1%).

Media enquiry:

• Umubyeyi Josée,  Public Relations Officer/ MoE, Tel: +250788455198  Email: jumubyeyi@environment.gov.rw ,
• Remy Niyingize, PR & Communication Officer/RWFA, Tel: + 250787736574, Email: remy.niyingize@rwfa.rw