When families, businesses, and several factories were required by local authorities in Rwanda to relocate from wetland areas classified as high-risk zones, many residents felt frustrated due to the lack of proper resettlement planning.
“It’s true we were not well-prepared to deal with this situation of moving our homes and businesses from this area,” said Vestine Mujawayezu, now a resident of Mulindi, a suburb of Kigali.
What Vestine did not know was that the government was already working on a plan to transform multiple degraded wetland zones around Kigali and its outskirts into recreational and conservation spaces aimed at protecting biodiversity.
One of these initiatives is the Nyandungu Urban Wetland Eco-Park, a recreational center created in 2017 after the restoration of a severely degraded wetland. Located in the outskirts of Kigali, the eco-park plays a critical role in preventing flooding, reducing pollution, and providing habitats for a wide range of species.
The 121-hectare eco-park—comprising 70 hectares of wetland and 50 hectares of forest—is home to more than 62 local plant species and over 100 bird species. It was specifically developed to address the degradation, downstream flooding, and pollution caused by sewage outflows.
Wildlife enthusiasts such as Dr. Olivier Nsengimana, founder of the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA), emphasize the importance of urban wetlands as wildlife habitats, particularly for birds.
According to the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), wetlands are among the most diverse and productive ecosystems, providing essential ecological services and supplying fresh water.
However, wetlands in Kigali—including Nyandungu—have long been threatened by human activities such as agriculture, settlement, commercial development, and industrial expansion. These activities have reduced their capacity to control floods and filter pollution. The implementation of Kigali’s urban master plan is now helping to reverse this degradation.
Thanks to the efforts of the Government of Rwanda and environmental conservation partners, several wetlands in and around Kigali are recovering. Nyandungu now flourishes with rich flora and fauna and also offers walking trails, fishponds, botanical gardens, restaurants, and an information center. REMA has been at the forefront of championing these restoration efforts.
Environmental scientist Professor Jacques Bizimana notes that illegal farming and poor waste management had significantly harmed bird populations in Rwanda’s wetlands.
“Current conservation efforts are contributing to a recovery in bird populations, with better nourishment and a substantial return in numbers,” Bizimana said.
Today, Nyandungu Wetland attracts both local and international visitors eager to learn about plants and bird species. Tourism activities in the area continue to grow, benefiting the local community through eco-tourism.
Local resident Evariste Nshimiyimana from Kanombe expresses pride in the transformation:
“We are pleased to see wildlife thriving again, and we all have a responsibility to protect and continue conserving this wetland.”
Juliet Kabera, Director General of REMA, affirms that Nyandungu Wetland demonstrates the value of urban environmental restoration and will serve as a model for other wetlands across Rwanda.
“The place has become beautiful for visitors to explore, relax, and learn about environmental conservation,” Kabera said.
The recreational space and wildlife habitat is now set for further expansion, with an additional 43 hectares planned, according to REMA.
Nearly 200 bird species that had migrated due to wetland degradation have returned to Nyandungu since its rehabilitation in 2017. The park currently receives close to 6,000 visitors every month, according to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Marie-Solange Muhirwa, Kigali’s Chief Urban Planner, notes that additional wetland areas near surrounding hills will be expropriated, with affected residents and businesses compensated accordingly.
Beyond Nyandungu, the Government of Rwanda is preparing to rehabilitate five additional wetlands across Kigali, with a budget exceeding Rwf 100 billion (about USD 71.4 million). These wetlands include:
Rwampara (65 ha)
Gikondo (162 ha)
Rugenge–Rwintare (65 ha)
Kibumba (68 ha)
Nyabugogo (131 ha)
This investment highlights Rwanda’s strong commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable urban development.
“These places not only mitigate flooding within the city but also serve as sanctuaries for biodiversity,” said Faustin Munyazikwiye, Deputy Director General of REMA.
