PRESS RELEASE: MuLaKiLa Project launches year two with community tree planting for lasting climate, biodiversity, social impact

Building on the success of its inaugural year, the MuLaKiLa Project is gearing up for an even more impactful second year with the launch of its annual tree planting campaign in Ngororero District. In this phase, the MuLaKiLa Project aims to engage thousands more community households in the Western Province, planting millions of trees, enhancing soil fertility, and providing sustainable livelihoods for local farmers. Over the next five years, MuLaKiLa Project plans to reach ambitious new milestones across ecological and economic initiatives. Project goals include engaging 40,000 households and restoring 21,000 hectares of degraded land. As the initiative progresses, the project’s impact is already visible. As of 2024, over 23,000 households are actively participating, with 15,477 hectares under restoration. Key environmental and economic milestones are summarized below: Trees Planted: 5.9 million perennial trees will be planted across the Mukura Forest and Lake Kivu catchments to reduce erosion, boost biodiversity, and protect vital water resources. In 2023, 901,000 trees were planted, and an additional 2,338,462 trees will be planted in 2024, bringing the cumulative total to 3.3 million trees. Soil Fertility Improvements: To rejuvenate the soil, the project will distribute 6,500 tons of lime and 36,600 tons of manure over five years, supporting the region’s agricultural productivity. To date, 1,928 tons of lime and 13,560 tons of manure have been provided to local farmers. Terraces Construction: By establishing 2,450 ha radical terraces and 8,032.5 ha progressive terraces, the project will enable sustainable farming practices on steep landscapes prone to erosion. So far, 914 radical and 2,312 progressive terraces have been constructed. Income Generation and Employment: 314,442 jobs are set to be created through the project, with opportunities spanning seedling production, tree planting and maintenance, and terraces establishment. Currently, 79,714 jobs have been created. Community Investment: The project will inject approximately 1.2 billion Rwandan Francs into the Nature-Based Community Fund (NBCF) known as Umusave Fund, promoting local economic resilience through access to finance. As of this year, 475 million Rwandan Francs have been invested. Dr. Sam Kanyamibwa, Founder and CEO of ARCOS, highlighted the significance of this project: “The MuLaKiLa Project embodies Rwanda’s commitment to both national and global goals for climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. With every tree we plant, every terrace we build, and every community we empower, we are making strides toward a future where people and nature thrive together. By strengthening ecosystems, enhancing local livelihoods, and building community resilience, MuLaKiLa is a testament to how local action contribute to address the pressing challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, contributing meaningfully to both Rwanda's Vision 2050 and international climate targets.” Stéphane Hallaire, Founder and Executive Chairman of Reforest'Action, added: “By combining traditional knowledge with research and innovation, the MuLaKiLa Project exemplifies how landscape restoration can support biodiversity and enhance local livelihoods. This restoration initiative serves as a catalyst for creating sustainable value chains, paving the way for resilient communities and landscapes. Reforest’Action is honored to support this model, which holds both local and global significance.” The Vice Mayor of Ngororero District in charge of Economic Affairs, Patrick Uwihoreye remarked: “MuLaKiLa has had a remarkable impact on our community. With continued dedication and support, our district will attain sustainable development, offering our people economic opportunities while restoring our vulnerable environment.” About MuLaKiLa Project Initiated in 2023, the MuLaKiLa Project is a collaborative restoration and sustainable development initiative led by ARCOS and Reforest'Action, in partnership with the government of Rwanda. This 30-year long-term initiative was developed in the framework of the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance (CBA) to address climate change, protect biodiversity, and foster economic resilience in Rwanda’s Western Province. The project stands for “Building resilience to climate change and sustainable agriculture value chains in agro-systems around Mukura Forest and Lake Kivu Catchment Landscape in Rutsiro and Ngororero districts, Rwanda” MuLaKiLa.

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PRESS RELEASE: MuLaKiLa Project launches year two with community tree planting for lasting climate, biodiversity, social impact