Various environmental experts have called upon the government and other stakeholders to draw more strategies to increase the country’s forest cover.

The call was made yesterday during a validation workshop in Kigali on the study of forestry resources’ increase and monitoring policy in the country.

A recent study established that the rate of survival of planted seedlings remains low in the country compared to the trees which are planted.  

The study was conducted by Rwanda Environmental Conservation organisation (RECOR) in conjunction with Rwanda Association of Ecologists—Rwanda Nziza, and the National University of Rwanda.

In an interview, Prof. Esron Munyanziza, of the Faculty of Agriculture at the National University of Rwanda, noted that there was need for the government to provide seedlings and ensure that follow-up mechanisms are in place.

"The government should sensitise the population to be aware that any tree planted is useful to them in terms of erosion control, water and soil conservation” Prof Munyanziza advised.

He said that land shortage is one of the major challenges still facing the protection of the environment, adding that more trees should be planted since the country is mountainous.

Munyanziza said that the population should be sensitised on the right species of trees to plant, saying they would be encouraged if they plant trees that add them economic value.

Alphonse Mutuyeyezu, an official from Rwanda Natural Resource Authority (RNRA), said the government has embarked on planting trees through a land consolidation system which, he said, would help more trees seedlings survive.

The current national forestry coverage stands at 22.4 percent.

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