The United Kingdom (UK) Minister of State for Development and Africa, Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell MP, commends Rwanda’s efforts to protecting the Environment and restoring degraded wetlands in particular, saying that what Rwanda is doing in environment and ecosystem restoration is so impressive.

He made the statement during his visit in Nyandungu Eco-Park on September 2, 2023. Before visiting different parts of the Park, he was taken through the restoration process of the former degraded Nyandungu wetland which was turned into an ecotourism park.

Accompanied by Omar Daair, the British High Commissioner to Rwanda, Minister Mitchell was welcomed by Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya together with Juliet Kabera and Teddy Mugabo, Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) and CEO of the Rwanda Green Fund, respectively.

During their walk through the park, both Ministers discussed on strengthening the existing partnership in environmental conservation.

Nyandungu was once a highly degraded wetland in the heart of Kigali. In 2016, the Government of Rwanda through the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) embarked on its restoration with support from partners including the UK Governement.

The restoration of Nyandungu wetland and creation of an eco-tourism park saw the planting of 17,000 trees made up of 55 indigenous species. The biodiversity of the park has regenerated and to date, the park is home to more than 100 bird species.

Minister Mitchell was in Rwanda for a four-day visit, and the day before his visit to Nyandungu Eco-Park he attended the 19^th Kwita Izina ceremony in Musanze, where he named a baby gorilla.

“Conservation is life. Honoured to be invited to name a gorilla at Rwanda's Kwita Izina. This event celebrates the accomplishments of the Rwandan Government and conservation partners who have made great progress in protecting these animals” Minister Mitchell tweeted after giving a name to a baby gorilla that he called Mukundwa (Favoured) in the Kwita Izina ceremony.