In an inspiring move towards environmental restoration, Rwanda has emerged as a key player in Africa’s ambitious goal to restore 100 million hectares of land by 2030. Spearheading this effort, the government of Rwanda committed to restoring 2 million hectares, a commitment that has now gained significant traction with the support of TerraFund for AFR100.
Established in 2021, TerraFund for AFR100 is a collaborative effort comprising the World Resources Institute (WRI), One Tree Planted, Realize Impact, and Barka Fund. The consortium aims to provide crucial financing and support to local communities engaged in land restoration across Africa.
Recently, TerraFund celebrated a major milestone by announcing its second cohort, aptly named the “Landscapes” cohort. This cohort consists of 92 projects drawn from three vital African landscapes, including the Lake Kivu & Rusizi River Basin spanning Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Notably, among the champions selected for this cohort, 20 hail from Rwanda.
Among these Rwandan Restoration Champions, the Rwanda Climate Change and Development Network (RCCDN) stands out as a notable player. RCCDN is set to contribute significantly to the overarching goal of restoring degraded landscapes via the Restore Local Project.
The distinction of RCCDN and other Rwandan organisations underscores the country’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community livelihood improvement. In a recent 3 days workshop and celebration event held in Rubavu District, TerraFund for AFR100 brought together government officials, dignitaries, and restoration champions to mark this significant achievement.
During the event, inspiring speeches were delivered by prominent figures, including Dr. Rebekah Shirley of the World Resources Institute and Patrick Karera of the Ministry of Environment, as well as Faustin Vuningoma the RCCDN Coordinator who was one of the panellists. They all emphasised on the importance of dedication in achieving restoration goals. The event also included practical workshops aimed at equipping champions with communication skills and strategies to convey the impact of their initiatives effectively.
Throughout the workshop, champions were guided through the intricacies of TerraFund’s operations, including the Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) framework. They were also provided with insights from successful champions, highlighting the importance of diligence and clear communication in securing ongoing support from TerraFund.
The event was topped with a celebration at the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, symbolizing the collective effort and commitment towards environmental restoration and community prosperity.
Looking ahead, RCCDN and its fellow champions are poised to make significant strides in their restoration efforts/tree planting, supported by TerraFund and the broader community. As they embark on this journey, they carry with them not only a sense of responsibility but also a shared vision of a greener, more sustainable future for Rwanda and beyond.