Key Facts about Nyandungu Wetland
- 121.7 hectares in size, including 70 hectares of wetland and 50 hectares of forest
- Home to more than 62 native tree species
- Home to more than 100 bird species
Rwanda concluded a six-month agreement with one South African- based hospitality firm to run and manage one of the largest Eco-tourism Park located at Nyandungu in the outskirts of Kigali city.
Official launch of Nyandungu Eco-Park by (Left to Right) Dr Vincent Biruta, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Dr Edouard Ngirente, Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn and Dr Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, the Minister of Environment.
The overall aim of the new park, according to Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA) is to promote sustainable management of natural resources and support livelihood diversification to enhance incomes for local communities through its transformation into eco-tourism Park.
In addition, the wetland complex through its restoration and rehabilitation; will also increase biodiversity (bird, insect, reptile, amphibian, mammal and plant species) in City of Kigali, while facilitating environmental education activities such as field visit and research.
With more than 60 indigenous tree species planted, the park is now providing a sanctuary for bird, amphibian, reptile, fish and mammal species, it said.
The project also displays different outputs namely biodiversity conservation through the introduction of native tree species and terrestrial habitat restoration, creation of botanical gardens mostly for educational purposes, promoting traditional ecological knowledge, aquatic habitat creation.
Before the new eco-tourism park was created, both Government and environmental experts have been complaining that wetland used to receive different forms pollution such as solid and liquid waste coming from the surrounding community and the industrial zone.
The 121 hectare park (70 hectares of wetland and 50 hectares of forest) features a medicinal garden, a Pope’s garden, five catchment ponds, three recreation ponds, an information centre, a restaurant as well as 10km of walkways and bike lanes.
