Recognizing the flourishing ecosystem services provided by the revitalized Nyandungu wetland, the Government of Rwanda has set its sights on expansion. The expansion aims to increase the park's size, further strengthening its role in flood control, water purification, biodiversity support, and recreational opportunities for Kigali residents. ALSO READ: Birds find new home in Nyandungu The expansion signifies Rwanda's commitment to not only preserving its natural environment but also maximizing the benefits it brings to the surrounding communities. Nyandungu Eco-Park is a wetland sprawling over 121.7 hectares nestled within the heart of Kigali city. Its main features include a medicinal garden, the serene Pope's garden, five picturesque catchment ponds, three inviting recreation ponds, an informative information centre, a restaurant offering scenic views, extensive walkways and bicycle lanes spanning 10 kilometers. The expansion of the park will be funded by the Government of Rwanda and implemented by Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA). ALSO READ: Exploring the breathtaking Nyandungu Eco-Park Nyandugu opened to the public in July, 2022. The park receives close to 6,000 visitors every month. “The park sits on a space of 121.7 Hectares and an addition of 43 hectares is in progress. It has more than 200 bird species,” Theogene Mwizerwa, Conservation and Biodiversity Officer for Nyandungu park. ALSO READ: Kigali’s inventive approach to five degraded wetlands He explained that the 73 indigenous plant species were introduced as part of wetland rehabilitation. “We have trees and shrubs. We did the bird counting at the beginning of the restoration. We counted more than 100 species of birds. After the restoration, we have more than 220 bird species. This is the impact of restoration, from 100 to 220 bird species. Not only bird or plant species. Also, we have some aquatic species like fish, reptiles and other amphibian or other aquatic species, others,” he said. ALSO READ: Nyandungu Eco-Park gets management, opens to public “In 2023, we also found antelopes in the park. So new species are coming. But they can also disappear. We need more effort to track new species,” he said. He said that the expansion of Nyandungu might trigger the introduction of other species in addition to other infrastructure to attract visitors. This means there is need for expansion and properties have to be expropriated. The land on 43 hectares where the park will be expanded has been fenced,” he added. In the expansion, additional facilities to the park will include kiosks, boardwalks, playgrounds, artificial lakes, and more, catering to the evolving desires of visitors. At least 74 plots will be expropriated in order to pave way for Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park expansion according to the City of Kigali. Due to budget availability, the city is expropriating in phases. The first phase has 14 plots. The precise budget for the expansion project will be determined after a comprehensive study aimed at identifying key features to be integrated into the park is done, officials said. Nyandungu Eco-Park which cost over Rwf6 billion over six years is a blueprint for additional five wetlands the Government of Rwanda is revitalizing in the city of Kigali. “The wetland is also mitigating floods in Kigali city,” Faustin Munyazikwiye, the Deputy Director General of REMA said. He said the government is poised to replicate this success by rehabilitating five additional wetlands across Kigali, with a budget of Rwf 34 billion The five wetlands are Rwampara (65ha), Gikondo (162ha), Rugenge-Rwintare (65ha), Kibumba (68ha), and Nyabugogo (131ha), underscoring the constant dedication to environmental conservation and sustainable urban development.
