Gicumbi: Governor Mugabowagahunde Says Study Underway to Explore Inclusion of Rugezi Wetland in Rwanda’s National Parks

Northern Province Governor Mugabowagahunde Maurice has revealed that a feasibility study is currently being undertaken to explore the possibility of incorporating the Rugezi Wetland into Rwanda’s national park network.

Governor Mugabowagahunde commended the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA) for its significant contribution to environmental conservation, particularly the protection of the 378 cranes inhabiting the Rugezi Wetland, as well as for creating employment opportunities that are progressively transforming the livelihoods of communities in Gicumbi and Burera Districts.

He made the remarks on September 19, 2026, during the inauguration of the Rugezi Community Centre, a facility designed to equip women with vocational skills, particularly tailoring and basket weaving. The occasion also marked the opening of a coffee shop intended to serve travellers along the Base–Gicumbi–Nyagatare route. The initiatives were undertaken with the support of the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association.

RWCA plays a pivotal role in biodiversity conservation, with a particular focus on monitoring and protecting cranes inhabiting various parts of Rwanda.

Beyond its efforts to safeguard the cranes in the Miyove sector, the organisation has also placed considerable emphasis on the socio-economic welfare of communities living around the wetland. RWCA provides annual health-insurance contributions for 500 residents as part of its broader efforts to improve the well-being of communities surrounding the Rugezi Wetland.

The wetland was previously subjected to considerable human pressure, including the collection of firewood, washing clothes and harvesting grasses used for basket weaving. These activities contributed to the decline in the crane population inhabiting the Rugezi Wetland.

Governor Mugabowagahunde said the ongoing study could pave the way for the development of tourism activities in the area, potentially allowing visitors to experience its biodiversity in a manner comparable to the wildlife attractions found in Akagera National Park and Volcanoes National Park.

«“We commend the tremendous contribution RWCA is making to environmental conservation. You create employment for about 1,000 people every year and have more than 100 permanent employees. You protect the cranes, and this is a remarkably tranquil place. A study is currently being undertaken to assess the possibility of incorporating this area into the national park system, thereby enabling tourists to visit and appreciate its natural heritage.”»

He further noted that, as development initiatives are extended to local communities, attention should also be given to the welfare of children of workers engaged in wetland conservation. He proposed that consideration be given to establishing an early-childhood development centre that would contribute to their long-term welfare and future prospects.

Dr Olivier Nsengimana, Director of the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association, commended local communities for their active participation in conserving the wetland. He urged the public to recognise the ecological importance of cranes, noting that, beyond their aesthetic value, they also contribute to ecosystems with broader implications for human well-being.

«“We seek the cooperation of everyone. When we initially began conserving this wetland, there were only 70 cranes. Today, we have recorded as many as 378. We currently have 116 permanent employees whose work is dedicated to biodiversity conservation, particularly monitoring and preventing activities that could threaten cranes inhabiting the Rugezi Wetland.”»

According to RWCA, the Rugezi Wetland harbours 741 species of biodiversity, including 378 cranes. The organisation has distributed 480 improved cooking stoves to reduce residents’ reliance on firewood collected from the wetland, supported farmers in establishing terraces to curb soil erosion and prevent sediment from flowing into the wetland and degrading its water systems, and provides employment opportunities to approximately 1,000 people annually.