More than 8,000 square kilometers of Rwanda’s land now covered with trees
Rwanda has exceeded its national reforestation target of covering 30% of its territory with trees as set in the country’s first National Strategy for Transformation (NST1). The country has now reached 31%, meaning over 8,165 square kilometers are currently forested.
This achievement was highlighted by Dr. Festus Maniriho, the head of the FIP-PRODAR project, which focuses on environmental protection,particularly promoting agroforestry (the integration of trees with crops).
The FIP-PRODAR project, launched in 2023 and running through 2028, is valued at $18 million. It is being implemented in the districts of Kamonyi, Muhanga, Ruhango, Nyanza, Huye, Gisagara, Nyaruguru, and Gakenke.
By its conclusion, the project aims to rehabilitate and manage 60,000 square kilometers of land.
Dr. Maniriho attributed this progress to the joint efforts of the government and its various development partners in combating the impacts of climate change.
He noted, “Over 31% of Rwanda’s total land is now covered with trees, including agroforestry plantations. This reflects Rwanda’s strong commitment to environmental conservation.”
He added that the most common tree species used for timber in Rwanda include eucalyptus, grevillea, and pine, and that their seeds continue to be distributed to citizens to expand forest cover nationwide.
Aaron Tuyisenge, the forestry and natural resources officer in Gisenyi Sector, told IGIHE that the area has more than 600 registered forests.
“Despite Gisenyi being considered an urban sector, it has over 600 forests belonging to both the government and private individuals, covering 194 hectares. Most are planted with eucalyptus,” he said.
He also mentioned that there are six cooperatives managing these forests and ensuring sustainable harvesting, preventing premature logging.
Athanase Sobomana, a resident of Rugerero Sector, said he planted 156 fruit trees on Rubavu Hill,avocado trees in particular not only to fight erosion but also as a future income source.
“These are avocado trees. I’m confident they’ll bring in good money since they’re highly marketable. My children will eat from them, and the surplus will be sold to pay for their school fees,” he said.
One of the key players in Rwanda’s reforestation efforts is RWARRI, a rural-focused community development organization. In partnership with others, RWARRI planted over 200,000 trees in 2024/2025 in sectors of Rubavu and Rutsiro that border the Sebeya River and Lake Kivu. They plan to double this figure in the upcoming year.
RWARRI Executive Director Belange Uwizeye said, “This year, we plan to plant 400,000 trees across over 500 hectares, especially on hillsides bordering Lake Kivu.”
Rwanda aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 38% by 2030. Tree planting is one of the key strategies expected to help the country meet this target, given its role in capturing and reducing harmful atmospheric emissions.
By 2027, Rwanda plans to plant 100 million trees nationwide, along with an additional 6.4 million fruit trees, starting in the 11 most vulnerable districts.
Source: IGIHE