EASTERN PROVINCE

RWAMAGANA — The district environment officer has appealed to leaders to collect data on existing forests in the country in order to come up with proper reforestation policies.

Speaking to The New Times after two-day meeting of district environmental and agricultural officials at Complex hall, on Thursday, Emmanuel Rwakayigamba said: "We have been discussing the mode of collecting forestry data that would help us to properly manage out forests in line with Rwanda’s environmental laws. A new team is expected to commence a detailed survey on the district’s forests in order to come out with measurements of forests and their types.”

He added that after compilation of the database the government will lay down new forestry strategies aimed at reforestation.

He explained that the need arose out of the fact that the existing information on the available forests in the country is scanty; for proper management of the forests.

He said similar process would be carried out across the country. Participants welcomed the move and affirmed their support.

"We have been urged to facilitate the forestry updating plan and we shall do it because we have necessary expertise,” said Innocent Ukizuru, an agricultural officer for Nzige sector.

According to Rwakayigamba, data collection will take two months and thereafter an association- ISUKU- which won the tender will compile a book containing all forestry data for Rwamagana district.

The exercise is sponsored by Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture in conjunction with the Ministry of Lands.

Ends