Hon. Minister Stanislas Kamanzi calls for more effort in the protection of planted forests across the country.

On 5th February, 2012, at Telecom House, the Minister of Natural Resources, Stanislas Kamanzi, calls upon people to actively participate in sustainable management of forests not only for individual benefits but also for the benefits of the whole country.

He was responding to questions from some of the citizens during a town hall meeting, at the weekend, held to explain what was achieved during the last tree planting season starting from November, 2011 as well as encouraging citizens to put more effort in the protection of planted forests across the country.

Currently, it is reported that about 22.1 % of Rwanda’s territory is covered by the forests. This is due to massive reforestation activities that are taking place countrywide.

The minister explained that the government is committed to carrying out some activities including agro forestry spaces on the land to ensure that the country is achieving 30% of forest coverage in 2020.

As it is a tradition, each year Rwanda plants trees, however forests scarcity remains critical due to the fact that some of planted trees fail to grow because of different reasons including effects of climate change.

In 2011 tree planting season, the government established District task forces headed by Vice-Mayors in charge of economics in District to ensure sustainable management of forests and make follow up of planted trees as well as ensuring the wellbeing of those trees.

Kamanzi also noted that, for better results, the private sector is encouraged to invest in forestry sector as any other area for investment.

During the meeting, Dr. Emmanuel Nkurunziza, the Director General of Rwanda Natural Resources Authority, revealed that through the department of land and mapping, they are to create maps showing where forests are to be planted basing on the fact that the area to be planted is forests friendly.

The Director of planning in the Ministry of Local government, Rugamba Egide appreciated the role of District task forces in the protection of forests adding that tree planting has became a culture among Rwandans.

“During the signing of contracts of performance locally known as “Imihigo”, tree planting and forests management comes first” Rugamba said.

At the end of the meeting Hon. Minister for Natural Resources promised Government support for interested people who have good projects related to forestry sector

He also added that agroforestry spaces must be significantly increased countrywide.