New Order Opens Private Nature Reserve Ownership in Rwanda

By The Inspirer.

Conservation enthusiasts who meet specific criteria can now own nature reserves in Rwanda, following a new ministerial order granting licenses for private nature reserves.

Published in Rwanda’s official gazette on October 25, the order enables the implementation of the law governing national parks and nature reserves, enacted on January 13, 2023. This legislation allows individuals to hold a license for nature reserve ownership, marking a shift from previous laws that restricted such ownership exclusively to the government.

Under Article 14 of the new law, a “nature reserve of a person,” or private nature reserve, can be established, provided the applicant meets requirements set by Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the body responsible for managing national parks and reserves. The order outlines necessary steps, including the submission of an application letter, an environmental and social impact assessment, a conservation and management plan, a business plan, and a land title for the proposed reserve. Additional requirements include sufficient capital to manage the reserve for at least five years, relevant conservation knowledge, and a clean record regarding species trafficking or felony charges.

Approved applicants are granted a five-year, renewable license, with fees determined by RDB.

Private nature reserves may be created for several purposes, such as safeguarding endangered species, supporting educational and research initiatives, restoring ecosystems disturbed by human activity, carbon sequestration, generating revenue through ecosystem services, expanding biodiversity conservation efforts, complementing government-managed reserves, and protecting migratory species.

By opening ownership to individuals, the Rwandan government aims to expand protected areas, engage local communities in sustainable conservation practices, and strengthen biodiversity resilience.

KEY INSIGHTS

A private nature reserve:

A private nature reserve is defined as land designated by its owner for preserving particular plant and animal species to protect the environment and promote sustainable production. Here are eight key aspects of the ministerial order enabling private reserve ownership:

Purpose of Ownership: Private nature reserves may be created to safeguard endangered species, support educational and research initiatives, showcase recovering ecosystems, preserve functioning ecosystems, engage in carbon sequestration, generate revenue for conservation, expand biodiversity protection, complement state reserves, and conserve migratory species.
Ownership Requirements: Applicants must meet ten requirements, including submitting an application letter, an environmental and social impact assessment, a conservation and management plan, a business plan, and a title deed. Applicants also need sufficient funds to manage the reserve for at least five years and demonstrate relevant conservation expertise and a clean criminal record related to species trafficking or felony convictions.
Public Notification and Feedback: Before granting a provisional license, the RDB must publish an announcement in two widely circulated media outlets and notify affected landowners. The public and stakeholders have 60 days to submit feedback, comments, or objections regarding the proposed nature reserve.
License Validity and Fees: The license for private reserve ownership is valid for five years and is renewable upon payment of fees determined by RDB.
Revocation of License: A license can be revoked if the reserve license is suspended three times within ten years, with written notification explaining the revocation. The authority may revoke a license without notice if the reserve is used to facilitate criminal activities, or if land ownership is misrepresented in a dispute.
Right to Appeal: If a license is revoked, the owner can appeal to the ministry overseeing national parks and nature reserves within 30 days, with a final decision from the ministry delivered within 60 days.
Inspection and Reporting: The RDB may inspect a private reserve at any time, provided a seven-day prior notice, and may conduct impromptu inspections if there are reports of damaging or illegal activities. Reserve owners may also be required to submit conservation activity reports upon request.
Involuntary Declassification: In cases of severe environmental degradation, public interest, abandonment, or if the owner’s license is not renewed, the RDB may declassify a private nature reserve without the owner’s consent, notifying the owner in writing of the decision.

The introduction of private nature reserves allows Rwanda to expand conservation areas and involves private citizens in biodiversity protection, supporting sustainable environmental and community benefits.

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