Rwanda to establish island national park by 2028 to boost eco-tourism

By The Inspirer.

Rwanda is set to establish a new Island National Park by 2028, a major conservation and tourism project that will span several islands in Lake Kivu and Bugesera District, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has announced.

Once completed, the park will offer a range of attractions including birdwatching, sports, golf courses, and traditional medicine gardens, aimed at enhancing eco-tourism and preserving biodiversity.

The announcement was made by Juliana Kangeli Muganza, Deputy CEO of RDB, during a briefing with the Senate Committee on Social Affairs and Human Rights. The committee had recently conducted field visits to multiple islands and was evaluating their potential for sustainable tourism and conservation.

“Research conducted with various institutions revealed that these islands host unique ecosystems. The goal is to create a protected area that could serve as a national park by 2028,” Kangeli said.

Preliminary findings show that Lake Kivu’s islands are home to:

• Over 80 species of birds
• More than 140 species of plants
• Endangered mammals and reptiles, including species found only in Rwanda

Among the protected species identified are the marsh mongoose (Atilax paludinosus) and rare plant species like Euphorbia dawei.

Despite the ambitious vision, Kangeli acknowledged infrastructure gaps, unresolved land ownership issues, limited transportation access, and continued human settlement on some islands as key challenges.

Senators back the plan, saying it could position Rwanda as a high-end eco-tourism destination.

“Some islands carry rich national heritage and could generate more revenue than even Volcanoes National Park,” said Senator Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu. “I suggest only Nkombo remains inhabited while other islands are dedicated to premium tourism.”

The Ministry of Environment and the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) have been studying the islands since 2012. Recent efforts in 2025 included satellite mapping to identify even the smallest and previously overlooked islands.

The proposed Island National Park aligns with Rwanda’s strategy to expand its protected areas while promoting inclusive, sustainable tourism.