In the land of 1000 hills

By Alena Hayer

Coming out of the cold, wet winter, I am greeted by summer temperatures: The fertile and beautiful landscape of Rwanda lies before me. The small country lies in the heart of East Africa. With around 12 million inhabitants, it is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Despite its location close to the equator, the temperatures are comparatively pleasant due to the altitude. I start in the capital Kigali and am immediately impressed by the cleanliness of the streets. Rwanda has a large number of initiatives and laws against environmental pollution, such as the ban on plastic bags, which has been in force throughout the country since 2008. It is no exaggeration to say that Kigali is the cleanest city in Africa.

Reducing risks for people and nature

It's February and I'm visiting our partner organization Albertine Rift Conservation Society (ARCOS). After a brief visit to the office in the capital, I head across the country to Lake Kivu. Here we are working together on reforestation and environmental protection measures as part of the Living Lakes Biodiversity and Climate project. This includes reforesting the steep slopes on the shores of Lake Kivu. To protect the lake and its biodiversity, we are training people in sustainable fishing and agriculture.

Everywhere along the road there are busy people on foot, on bicycles or motorcycles, in jeans and shirts or traditional dress, going about their various activities. As the lake comes into view, I immediately notice something: The prescribed buffer zone of 50 meters along the shoreline is often not observed. Erosion and inadequate land management pose a risk to people and nature. Our project counteracts this.

Strengthening local communities - reducing CO2 emissions together

Measures such as terracing, riverbank stabilization and reforestation with native trees combat soil erosion and support adaptation to climate change. There is a particular focus on strengthening local communities. Young people and students are also involved in nature conservation and restoration measures. With low-threshold practices and technologies, such as solar-powered irrigation systems and efficient cooking stoves, people are reducing their need for firewood and cutting CO2 emissions.

I am allowed to take part in two workshops on sustainable farming. Although I know neither the language nor the dance steps, I am warmly integrated into the traditional songs and dances. I soon find myself in step with 50 fishermen.

Rwanda is still scarred by the dark chapter of the 1994 genocide. But it is the cohesion, optimism and tireless struggle of the Rwandan people for a peace-loving society that have inspired and impressed me.

About the project

As part of the International Climate Initiative (IKI), the Living Lakes Biodiversity and Climate Project (LLBCP) contributes to the conservation and restoration of lakes and wetlands and the protection of associated biodiversity. For five years, 13 organizations from 12 countries are working together in this project to promote the more environmentally friendly use of freshwater resources and biodiversity and climate protection. Further information can be found at 

https://www.globalnature.org/en/living-lakes-biodiversity-and-climate-project