Rwanda Podium

CLIMATE CHANGE: World’s Biggest Climate Fund Seeks to Restore Rwanda’s Forests

The world’s biggest global climate fund has agreed to invest $39.1 million in Rwanda to help it tackle climate change through the restoration of the nation’s only remaining montane forests. By Monique Vanek

Economics Thursday 26 October 2023

The pledge by the $12.8 billion South Korea-based Green Climate Fund will “build the climate resilience of vulnerable communities in Rwanda’s Congo Nile Divide through forest and landscape restoration and spur private sector green growth through Ireme Invest,” a green investment facility, the Finance Ministry said in a statement Wednesday.

The forests sit on the ridge which divides the Congo and Nile water catchment areas, along the incredibly biodiverse Albertine Rift in the west of the country. It is made up of 60 species of tree, and is home to a group of 20 chimpanzees, golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s and Blue Monkeys, 395 species of birds.

“The project will develop more sustainable management of 278,000 hectares (687,000 acres) and promote sustainable agroforestry techniques in 2,000 hectares of plantations, reducing demand for fuelwood and alleviating deforestation pressures,” according to the statement.

The parc contribute to improving the livelihoods of the population living in the surrounding areas. The community-based activities include a farm stay, a live cultural dance, making handicrafts, beekeeping, a tea plantation tour and the chance to learn from traditional healers, who use natural plants to support modern medicine and synthesised drugs.

Preserving Africa’s forests is increasingly being seen as a bulwark against climate change. Trees absorb and store carbon, lessening the impact of greenhouse gas emissions.

The Congo Nile Divide forests are home to endangered chimpanzees and have a moderating effect on the local climate, which is key for production of agricultural crops such as tea — one of Rwanda’s main exports.