The Government has set up a taskforce to review mining activities in Gishwati and Mukura landscape and harmonise them with conservation efforts.

This is aimed at promoting sustainable mining practices and curtailing the negative impacts of illegal mining within and around Gishwati-Mukura National Park.

A statement, released by Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), yesterday, said the taskforce will also develop strategies to ensure that legal mining activities are done sustainably and promote environmentally-friendly practices.

The statement was issued following the taskforce’s inaugural meeting at REMA on Thursday.

The taskforce members are drawn from various ministries, parastatals, mining associations, security organs and local government agencies.

It was established based on recommendations from the National Technical Advisory Committee meeting of the Landscape Approach to Forest Restoration and Conservation (LAFREC) project and will play an advisory role.

LAFREC, implemented by REMA, is a five-year project working on the rehabilitation of the highly degraded Gishwati-Mukura forests.

It aims to enhance environmentally-friendly services and strengthen climate resilience in the area. 

Mukura forest, in particular, is threatened by illegal mining, with trees being uprooted and the forest's ecosystem damaged.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the taskforce, the Director-General of REMA, Dr Rose Mukankomeje, said: "We need revenue from the mining sector but mining should be done in a sustainable way. We should always emphasise the protection of our environment because when mining is done poorly the results are disastrous.”

"The Gishwati-Mukura mining taskforce has been created because there’s a problem we want to address. We want to work together to find a lasting solution and, for that to happen, we must put together our efforts.”

Dr Mukankomeje also noted that Gishwati-Mukura forest has been upgraded to a national park.

"Anyone engaging in illegal activities within the park boundaries will be dealt with according to the law,” she said.

‘Opportunity to share’

Dr Michael Biryabarema, deputy director-general in charge of geology and mines at the Rwanda Natural Resources Authority, said the taskforce provides an opportunity to ensure compliance and sustainable mining in the Gishwati-Mukura area.

"The establishment of the taskforce is one step toward promoting best mining practices in this critical zone. We believe that its contribution to the good health of the park will be tremendous,” Dr Biryabarema said.

Last month, government gazetted a law creating the Gishwati-Mukura National Park, making it the fourth park after Akagera, Nyungwe and Volcanoes.

According to the law, published in the Official Gazette on February 1, Gishwati-Mukura National Park consists of Gishwati reserve with an area of 1,570 hectares and the Mukura reserve with an area of 1,988. The total area is 3,558 hectares of land.

The Gishwati and Mukura forests are known for a wide range of flora and fauna, including primates, chimpanzees and mammals. They also boast about 60 species of trees, including indigenous hardwoods and bamboo. 

The Landscape Approach to Forest Restoration and Conservation project is a five-year project funded by the Global Environment Facility through the World Bank and implemented by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority.

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