In a continued effort to combat plastic pollution and promote climate justice, youth in Rwanda are taking proactive steps to restore critical wetlands in the city of Kigali. The Rwanda Climate Change and Development Network (RCCDN) and REMA with Youth Climate in Action Initiative (YCAI) on August 25, engaged with the local youth community to tackle plastic waste removal as part of the ongoing wetland restoration project.
This youth endeavour, reminiscent of the successful “Youth Umuganda” in a clean-up activity held at Rwandex Wetland, gathered more than 250 young participants for a community-driven event. The mission was to clear Gikondo Wetland of various forms of waste and contribute to the wetland’s rehabilitation. In the cause, the youth committed managed to collect various plastic bottles, plastic bags and other wastes.
RCCDN with its focus on ensuring the mainstreaming of Environmental protection and Climate Justice, organised this event and encouraged youth to do more in such an era. The Gikondo Wetland, once home to industries, warehouses, and garages, suffered severe degradation over the years, hindering its ability to provide vital water quality and flood mitigation functions. Now, the restoration project is set to transform approximately 100 hectares of previously industrial land into a wetland system that regulates floods, improves water quality, and creates a green space for recreation and tourism within the city.
The Chairperson of Youth Climate in Action Initiative, Elisee Nzimurinda, highlighted the youth’s commitment to the cause, saying, “We have mobilized over 250 young people to help fight against plastic pollution in the wetlands through Umuganda-community works. The activities will be carried out every month.” Their dedication reflects the pivotal role that youth are playing in driving climate justice initiatives forward.
As youth-led initiatives continue to gain momentum in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation, the efforts in Rwanda serve as a shining example of how young people are actively contributing to climate justice and the sustainable future of their communities.
Martine Uwera, the Programme Manager of the Environmental Mainstreaming and Biodiversity Management Programme at REMA, emphasised the importance of this restoration effort, stating that the wetlands play a crucial role in retaining and filtering runoff water from the entire city before it flows into Nyabugogo River. Without effective restoration and the removal of plastic pollution, there is a looming threat of water crises and flooding in Kigali and surrounding areas.
This restoration effort is not limited to Gikondo Wetland alone. The Second Rwanda Urban Development Project (RUDP2) aims to rehabilitate five degraded wetlands in the City of Kigali, including Kibumba, Nyabugogo, Rugenge-Rwintare, Rwampara, and Gikondo Wetland. The restoration of these crucial ecosystems is expected to, directly and indirectly, benefit more than 220,500 people who are at risk of flooding and water crises.
Furthermore, the implementation of the Kigali City wetland master plan holds the promise of generating over $155 million in revenues annually, according to studies. This underscores the environmental significance of wetland restoration and highlights its economic potential for the city and its residents.