UR and German research partners call for ecosystem restoration in Rwanda in newly published paper

Rwanda is internationally recognized for its ambitious efforts to restore degraded land and promote a green economy. But how can we make these efforts even more effective for nature and for people ? The Center of Excellence in Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management at University of Rwanda, together with a group of German research collaborators led by University of Leuphana, are tackling this issue in a new project exploring social-ecological restoration. A diverse group of scientists, practitioners, government officials, and community representatives recently came together in Kigali to find answers to this question under the umbrella of this new project. The result is a new position paper with seven key recommendations that highlight the path forward.

Nyandungu Urban Wetland Ecotourism ; an initiative to restore the Nyandungu Wetland complex in the outskirts of Kigali. Courtesy photo

One clear message from the group is that we need to use more native species in restoration. While fast-growing introduced trees are often planted for quick results, native species offer much greater benefits for biodiversity and long-term sustainability. Plus, communities do value native trees especially when they understand their ecological and cultural importance.

Another surprising insight ? Home gardens, the small plots around people’s homes, play a crucial role in both nutrition and biodiversity. These gardens often contain more native tree species than surrounding farmland and could serve as vital seed sources for future restoration projects.

The team also sees a major opportunity in creating a wildlife corridor connecting Nyungwe, Gishwati-Mukura, and Volcanoes National Parks. With careful planning and scientific guidance, smallholder-owned shade-grown coffee farms using native trees could become biodiversity-friendly steppingstones across the Western Province to improve connectivity for biodiversity.
Importantly, the group stresses that restoration should benefit livelihoods and nutrition in both the short and long term. A mix of tree species, including some that bear fruit quickly, others that provide timber or other resources later can offer a more resilient and rewarding outcome for communities.

They also emphasize genuine community involvement, where local people help plan, implement, and monitor restoration efforts. Long-term success depends on shared ownership and mutual learning.

Above all, the authors urge a shift in mindset : from counting how many trees are planted to measuring how well ecosystems are restored and how people benefit over time.
This call to action emerged from a February 2025 workshop in Kigali and brings together the best available science and on-the-ground experience. Rwanda has made great strides in restoration but together, we can do even better.

Visit the link here for more details about the paper