Regional body to help in conserving Rwanda’s forests

In its 4th phase of funding and overseeing forestry and natural resources conservation, the Central African Regional Program for the Environment (CARPE) has put conserving Rwanda’s heavily degraded natural forests of Nyungwe and Giswati on top of its priorities. “We are looking at funding feasible projects to conserve the country’s natural resources. Nyungwe, Giswati and Akagera are on our priority list this time around,” said Thadee Habiyambere, CARPE focal point manager in Rwanda. He said that so far three NGO’s have presented their proposals for funding of conservation work to kick off soon. Stanislas Kamanzi, Minister of Environment and Lands said such investments in the natural resources’ conservation have come timely. “Giswati and other forests have faced severe degradation in the past partly due to our bad history. It’s fortunate that partners like CARPE are willing to invest in the restoration of these resources especially Giswati and Nyungwe,” he said. “We are going to resettle people and enforce proper forest conservation. This might inconvenience some people but it has to be done,” he said The minister called upon people to put environmental concerns in their daily lives as a pertinent concern for everyone’s survival and overall development. CARPE operates in over 9 countries and its engagement in each of these countries differs according to their needs. Ends