REMA braced for urban recreational expansion with $5.2mn Eco Tourism Park

Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) in collaboration with the City of Kigali is embarking on an ambitious project to create an eco-tourism park worth approximately $5.2 million. The project, known as the Njanoag Ecological Park, is aimed at providing an urban recreational space, restoring the hydrological functioning of the wetland, and increasing biodiversity in the region. The Director General of REMA, Coletha U. Ruhamya, recently sat down with CNBC Africa to shed light on this groundbreaking initiative. The Njanoag Ecopark is a unique project that seeks to revitalize a wetland previously ravaged by destructive activities. Ruhamya explained that the wetland had lost its ecological functions due to activities such as grazing and sand excavation. The project's design is based on three pillars of sustainability: social, ecological, and economic. By restoring the wetland and implementing eco-friendly infrastructure, the park aims to provide a space for recreational activities and promote environmental awareness. One of the key features of the Njanoag Ecopark is the creation of artificial lakes and ponds, which raised concerns about potential malaria outbreaks in the region. Ruhamya addressed these concerns by highlighting the project's environmental management plan, which includes mitigation measures to tackle issues such as stormwater debris and mosquito breeding. The park's design incorporates specific plant species that deter mosquito breeding, ensuring that the wetland remains a safe and healthy environment for visitors. In addition to its environmental benefits, the Njanoag Ecopark is set to have a positive impact on the surrounding communities. Local residents have already begun to benefit from employment opportunities created by the project, with a focus on 'green jobs' that support sustainable development. The park is also expected to become a hub for social activities, such as weddings and entertainment, providing a space for community gatherings and business ventures. When questioned about the funding for the project, Ruhamya revealed that the majority of the $5.2 million budget is sourced from the national funding for environment in Rwanda (Niroi). Additional contributions come from the government of Italy and the UN Environment's CF project. These collaborative efforts underscore the importance of international partnerships in driving forward environmental conservation and sustainable development initiatives. The Njanoag Ecological Park stands as a testament to Rwanda's commitment to fostering eco-tourism, environmental protection, and community development. Through innovative projects like this, the country is setting a precedent for the integration of nature conservation and urban planning, creating a harmonious balance between human activities and ecological restoration.