Reviving Rwanda’s Forests: The Remarkable Comeback of Ibanda Makera and Busaga Natural Forests in the Fight Against Climate Change

By Elias Hakizimana.

The world is currently facing an unprecedented challenge in the form of climate change. The rise in global temperatures, deforestation, and carbon emissions has led to disastrous consequences, including extreme weather events, droughts, erosion and loss of biodiversity.

However, amidst this bleak scenario, there are inspiring tales of hope and resilience. One such story is that of Ibanda Makera and Busaga Natural Forests in Rwanda. These once-degraded forests are now making a remarkable comeback, thanks to the efforts of local communities, partners, and the government.

The beauty of nature is undeniable, and it’s something that we often take for granted. But when we see the devastating effects of deforestation, we’re reminded of just how fragile our planet is. That’s why it’s heartening to witness the resurgence of the Ibanda-Makera natural forest in Mpanga sector, Kirehe district, Eastern Rwanda. Despite losing a staggering 88 percent of its original size in just two decades, this forest is slowly but surely regaining its ecological diversity.

The forest decreased in size from 1,425 hectares to 169 hectares between 1984 and 2015 –according to the information from Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA). As a result, some of the tree and animal species that once inhabited the forest are now extinct. It used to be home to a variety of wild animals, including lions, monkeys, snakes, chimpanzees, wild pigs, antelopes, leopards, and birds.

However, officials are certain that this forest must be restored and converted into a tourist destination. Thanks to the efforts made to revive it, the forest now houses various animals, such as buffaloes, monkeys, tigers, different species of birds, different species of snakes, and 124 species of plants with medicinal properties. The government’s intervention has resulted in reduced human activities that endangered the forest’s existence.

Francois Mbabariye, a resident of Nyawera II village in Nasho cell, Mpanga Sector, Kirehe District, is a neighbor of the Ibanda-Makera natural forest. He stated that people used to cut down trees for firewood, but the situation has gradually changed due to the government’s efforts and the actions of citizens. He also noted that the forest plays a significant role in providing rain.

“Previously, citizens used to destroy this forest through various activities such as using machetes and axes to cut trees for firewood. They would cut both withered and fresh trees, leading to significant loss of trees. However, the government has made efforts to restore the forest, and we as citizens also play a role in reporting anyone who attempts to destroy it.” Mbabariye said.

He added, “Twenty years ago, when I arrived in this neighborhood, we could see many species of birds, wild boars, and leopards. However, now we can only see a few remaining animals such as birds, snakes, monkeys, and hippopotamuses that come from Akagera National Park.”

Main causes of Deforestation

Vital M. Kalinda, the Director of Forestry in Kirehe District, states that the causes of the loss of the Ibanda-Makera natural forest five years ago were due to human activities such as poor farming practices and animal grazing. Additionally, encroachment occurred through unclear boundaries where farmlands near the forest were sometimes extended into forestland.

“We have noticed that crossways have been created in the forest for farming purposes. Unfortunately, this has caused some damage as there is a shortage of wood energy, forcing some locals to resort to using firewood from the forest,” Kalinda explains.

Climate change and the Regaining of Ecological functionality

Kalinda explained that the microclimate in the Ibanda-Makera zone used to be unstable due to prolonged drought, shortage of rainfall, and delayed rainfall. This has caused the disappearance of fauna and flora, as well as an increase in demand for dry forest products needed by neighboring people for cooking.

However, in the past 10 to 20 years, mechanisms have been put in place to protect the forest by prohibiting people from searching for firewood, timber, grazing, hunting, and grass cutting. Additionally, some indigenous trees in the open areas of the forest have been planted according to Kalinda.

“The measures taken on behalf of institutions and on behalf of community are designed following the win-win approach between community and environment,” he says.

From 2017 up to now, Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA) has mobilized various funds to restore the Ibanda-Makera natural forest via the “Building Resilience of Communities Living in Degraded Forests (LDFC II) program and the National Adaptation Planning Process (NAP).

Rwanda Forest Authority (RFA) has also established a research plot land in Ibanda-Makera to test indigenous species either existing species in current forest or known disappeared species. The test has the objective to measure the tree performances in growth and climate adaptation.

According to Dr. Concorde Nsengumuremyi, Director General of the RFA, the restoration has been going on from the year 2000 and it is now around 169 ha as a result of Bugesera-Gisaka-Migongo project.

“Currently, restoration activities of Ibanda Makera have been put in place and the forest is now regaining its size and its ecological diversity,” Nsengumuremyi told The Inspirer.

In order to reduce further encroachment and dependence on the forests, Dr. Nsengumuremyi says that the restoration of the forest also considers developing local communities through the provision of clean cooking technologies to reduce firewood collection, promotion of beekeeping to increase revenues and provision of jobs in the restoration to local communities to create a sense of ownership.

“Additionally, fencing of the forest and creating a buffer zone around the forest to avoid additional encroachment are put in place. Through National Adaptation Planning (NAP) process, the activities to be conducted include fencing, the re-planting of natural trees to restore its originality,” he notes.

Becoming a tourism destination

Dr. Nsengumuremyi says that there are negotiations between REMA and Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to see how the forest can be handed over to RDB and turn it into a tourism destination after its proper restoration.

“Rwanda Forestry Authority has the mandate to increase forests resources, protection and management, including the natural forests, it works closely with its partners; both private and public like REMA, through NAP project, MINADEF and Kirehe District in restoration and management of this natural forest,” he says.

Environmentally friendly livelihood

Dr. Nsengumuremyi says that citizens who used to apply agriculture around Ibanda-Makera natural forest have been supported to get another livelihood that prevents them from re-entering the forest.

“Some were helped to plant fruit trees in their fields and run other activities that promote their financial development such as beekeeping and other activities that have been chosen by them since the area was not easy for agricultural practices,” he says.

For generations, the people living near the Ibanda-Makera Forest have relied on cutting trees for firewood to cook their meals. However, with the increasing awareness of climate change and the devastating impact of deforestation, the citizens of this forest have made a remarkable shift.

However, despite no longer being involved in cutting trees for firewood, they are now urging the government and partners to increase the support by giving them enough energy-saving stoves or other cooking alternatives to keep the positive pace in favour of Ibanda-Makera safety.

“Previously, citizens would cut down trees and graze within the forest. However, a few years ago, the government and its partners planted trees on the forest’s outskirts and cautioned citizens against further deforestation. We have supported this initiative and no longer enter the forest to collect firewood. We refrain from cutting down trees ourselves and instead inform anyone we observe engaging in deforestation activities.” says Clementine Mukansanga, one of the residents.

Similar outcomes taking shape in Busaga Natural Forest

The Busaga Natural Forest in Rongi Sector, Muhanga District is a precious resource that needs to be protected and preserved for future generations. Fortunately, the government of Rwanda has taken steps to ensure that this unique and valuable ecosystem is safeguarded. Through a variety of programs, the government has been able to protect the Busaga Natural Forest and ensure its long-term sustainability.

 Busaga is a mountain rain forest that has an area of 158.86 hectares, covering one big mountain, at an elevation of 1900-2000m. Busaga is bounded in the North by Sumo stream and the chains of Ndiza mountains in the Western-Rwanda.

It covers 17,120 hectares, about 26% of total district land area of which 16,963 hectares are forest plantations and 155 hectares are natural forests.

Another government instrument that has been instrumental in protecting the Busaga Natural Forest is the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA). REMA is responsible for the implementation of environmental policies and regulations in Rwanda. Through REMA, the government has been able to create a system of protected areas and enforce regulations that protect the Busaga Natural Forest from illegal activities such as logging and poaching.

Finally, the government has also implemented a number of programs to promote sustainable livelihoods for local communities living near the Busaga Natural Forest. These programs include the establishment of community-based forest management systems, the promotion of agroforestry practices, and the development of ecotourism initiatives. These initiatives have helped to create economic opportunities for local communities while also protecting the Busaga Natural Forest.

These efforts have been instrumental in protecting this precious resource and ensuring its future for generations to come.

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