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Background

In 2016, the Government of Rwanda through the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) developed the Nyandungu restoration project to respond to pollution from uncontrolled waste disposal, downstream flooding and biodiversity loss resulting from human activities in the rapidly growing Kigali City. Through a multi-year, US$5 million project funded by the Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA) with support from the UK Government, the Italian Ministry for Ecological Transition and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the wetland was cleared of polluting industrial activities (e.g. food processing), allowing the native forest, streams and ponds of the wetlands to regenerate naturally. The agency further planted over 17,000 indigenous trees and plants, which improved local biodiversity and provided habitat for insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals. Over 120-hectares including 70 hectares of wetland and 50 hectares of forest have been restored.

Approach

The establishment of the Nyandungu Eco-park began with research which found that culture and nature, diversity and space are central issues in the design of successful urban parks. Insights from citizen interviews informed a focus on the safety of park users, offering cutting-edge services, and providing various cultural and educational programs. The REMA first cleared the wetland area of business activities and relocated people who settled around the wetland with the help of the government, allowing the native fig forest, streams and ponds of the wetlands to regenerate naturally. A nursery was established and indigenous plants and trees were strategically planted to restore and rehabilitate degraded wetlands. The stream was widened to expand the wetland and facilitate the filtration of water from the neighbouring community. The park now includes a medicinal garden, Pope’s Garden, 5 catchment ponds, 3 recreation ponds, an information centre, a restaurant and 10km of walkways and bicycle lanes. To cover operation and maintenance costs, the park earns revenue by charging entrance fees, selling products in the kiosks and restaurants, and renting bicycles.

Environmental Impact

Over 17,000 trees and plants from 55 indigenous species have been planted, bolstering local biodiversity and providing habitat for insects, birds, reptiles and mammals. The wetland is once again able to clean and filter the local water supply, and a combination of increased vegetation cover and water has reduced ambient temperatures in the surrounding area. Additional restored habitats include an indigenous fig forest, a number of streams and ponds that help with flood alleviation, and a reed-bed which breaks down pollutants. Overall, these interventions have advanced the restoration of over 120 hectares of degraded land.

Success Factors

The inclusion of the transformation of the wetland into a recreational park in the City of Kigali Master Plan provided the policy support necessary to drive the project forward. Funding by the Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA) with support from the UK Government, the Italian Government through the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) was also key to the success of this wetland park project. Equally, the relocation and compensation of local people and businesses from wetlands was a key success factor.

Evidence

The Nyandungu Urban Wetland Ecotourism Project has improved the livelihoods of local communities by creating up to 4,000 direct and indirect jobs for young people and women. It has also provided a safe home for more than 100 bird species and more than 62 local plant species.

Evolution

Upon completion of rehabilitation works by REMA, a private company (QA Venue Solutions) won a public tender for the management of the Nyandu Eco-park. The company manages the park through a business model charging entry fees and sale of products to generate income to sustain the park under the supervision of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Students may still enter for free, and local people still receive a discount.