On Thursday, November 12, 2020, the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) has handed over to Rwanda Development Board (RDB), infrastructures and equipment installed and supplied for Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve, during an event that took place in Rutsiro District.

These infrastructures that include the building that will serve as the Park Headquarters, have been installed by LAFREC (Landscape Approach to Forest Restoration and Conservation) Project funded by the World Bank.

The project under implementation of Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) since 2015, has also installed two patrol posts, three base camps for Gishwati-Mukura National Park. Among other equipment handed over to RDB include communication kits for park rangers and a literacy room equipment.

The signing of the handover documents was presided over by the Director General of REMA, Juliet Kabera and the Head of Tourism and Conservation Department within RDB, Ariella Kageruka.

The Director General of REMA, Juliet Kabera has welcomed the efforts and role of every part in all activities that led to the success of LAFREC project and pledged that the collaboration will continue.

“We have been waiting for this day for a long time. We are handing over infrastructures, but we are not certainly handing over the MoU, as we still have a long journey together in the process of ensuring the sustainable management Of Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve”, she said.

“We are grateful to the World Bank for having supported the activities of restoring Gishwati-Mukura National Park by LAFREC Project. Collaborative efforts invested in its restoration led to its nomination among UNESCO MAB biosphere reserve”, Kageruka said.

“We will keep collaborating with the communities around Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere reserve to ensure its sustainability as it will soon start generating revenue. As you may know, the Park is not open for tourism as we were dealing with its restoration but we are to open it for tourists soon before the end of this year”, she added.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve is home to a variety of flora and fauna species. The main animals found in Gishwati-Mukura National Park include chimpanzees, golden monkeys and blue monkeys.

There are more than 130 bird species with over 15 endemic ones.

This forest occupies an area of about 35.4 kilometer square. Last year, the Rwanda Government confirmed that Gishwati-Mukura forest reserve has become the country’s forth National Park.

It is expected to help boost the tourism business in the country and act as a resource for researchers, conservationists therefore help in the environment and the ecosystem preservation or protection.

Over Rwf 900 million have been spent over to set infrastructure and equipment for Gishwati-Mukura Park Headquarters, all from World Bank.

Currently, RDB has allocated more than Rwf300 million to the revenue sharing program in communities around Gishwati-Mukura National Park.