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Association pour la Conservation de la Nature au Rwanda (ACNR)

Promoting Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable use in Rwanda

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ACNR would like to thank UICN/CARPE granting a small grant to this project in 2009. We are deeply indebted to the CARPE’s Focal Point in Rwanda, Mr. Thaddée Habiyambere for his sustained support, advice and encouragement at various stages of the project implementation. We thank the District of Nyagatare for granting support and work permits permission to implement the project. ACNR greatly appreciated varied supports and facilities from the National Forestry Authority (NAFA) especially its staff in Nyagatare district, Mr. Dismas Bakundukize and Mr. Jean Paul Mbonigaba. We are very grateful to all those who participated in the biodiversity surveys. Members of birds team members included Marc Ndimukaga, Serge Nsengimana, Aloys Ntezimana and M. Goretti Manikuzwe. Botany team members included Madeleine Usabyimbabazi, Philip Niyonzima, Hannes Brunke and Julia Ritsche. The trainer in agro-forestry techniques provided professional and invaluable tools for the smooth success of the agro-forestry project component. This work would not have been possible without the local community’s co-operation and all stakeholders that we interacted with on the ground. We express our deepest sense of gratitude for their views, participation and co-ordination throughout the project period. Thank you.

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Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................................ 2 Table of Contents ................................................................................................................ 3 Part 1. Introduction .......................................................................... 4 1.1. Background of the Project ........................................................................................... 4 1.2. Initially planned Activities ........................................................................................... 5 Part 2. Achievements ....................................................................... 5 2.1. Removal of Eucalyptus trees ....................................................................................... 6 2.2. Establishment of Acacia tree nursery and restoration of the forest with native species ..................................................................................................................................... 6

2.2.1. Establishment of tree nursery............................................................................ 6 2.2.2. Restoration of the forest with native species .................................................... 7

2. 3. Implementation of agroforestry: creation of a tree nursery and distribution of trees to local farmers................................................................................................................ 9

2. 3.1. Establishment of tree nursery........................................................................... 9 2. 3.2. Distribution of trees to local farmers ............................................................. 10

2. 4. Training in Agroforestry techniques ......................................................................... 11 2. 5. Biodiversity inventory (Plant & birds) ..................................................................... 12

2.5.1. Introduction ..................................................................................................... 12 2.5.2. Bird survey ...................................................................................................... 13 2.5. 3. Plants survey .................................................................................................. 15

2. 6. Mapping of the Muvumba gallery forest .................................................................. 20 2.7. Development of a strategic plan for better management of Muvumba gallery forest. ................................................................................................................................... 21 Part 3. Lessons learnt ..................................................................... 25 Part 4. Conclusion and recommendations ..................................... 26 4.1. Conclusion. ................................................................................................................ 26 4.2. Recommendations ...................................................................................................... 27

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Part 1. Introduction

1.1. Background of the Project The Muvumba relict forest is situated in Eastern Province, NyagatareDistrict, and touches sectors Karama, Gatunda, Tabagwe, Nyagatre, Rwempasha, Musheli and Matimba. The forest covers both banks of the Muvumba river on the national territory in the first five sectors but forms the international boundary with the Republic of Uganda in the sectors Musheli (in part) and Matimba. The river which flows in a North Eastern direction shelters along its banks a relict gallery forest constituted mainly of Acacia kirkii (locally known as IMIKINGA). In the past, the gallery forest covered an area of about 2,500 Ha and is subjected to frequent flooding due to the heavy rains that shower its watershed in the hills of former Byumba province. The Acacia kirkii tree species acts as a barrier to damages by the running water along the river valley. Besides the trees provide a favourable microclimate to luxuriant undergrowth which in turn acts as a habitat to different animal species like small mammals. However, the relict forest as it stands today is threatened by human activities like farming, settlement, firewood collection and agriculture. As of now there are many dairy farms established along the river banks. These farms, which are usually stocked with exotic cows, are cleared with the encouragement of the administrative authorities- who allocate the land to the farmers. Besides brick makers, working along the river, have quarried clay in a harp hazard way to the detriment of the natural environment. Clay has been sought right to the river banks, uprooting trees, with no regard to the mandatory 10 metre wide strip that should be left intact along the two river banks as provided by law. It is also to be noted that man had introduced Eucalyptus trees among the Acacia kirkii. These Eucalyptus trees may disrupt the ecological balance of the ecosystem and they need to be removed at once so as to leave the natural ecological succession to take its course. Firewood collectors are felling trees with no discrimination of young from old trees. The focus goal of the project “Conservation of Muvumba relict forest, Nyagatare District, Eastern Province, Rwanda” was to enhance the conservation of Muvumba relict forest through educating the local communities on the environmental protection in general and on the importance of the forest in particular. Strategies adopted were to provide alternatives to sources of services hitherto got from the forest by the communities. A case in point here was the provision of agroforestry seedlings of fast growing trees to communities to stem the problem of firewood and fodder for animals. A biodiversity survey of the forest was carried out to be certain of the life capital present (Flora and Fauna). This project improved the conservation of wildlife in Muvumba forest

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and increased awareness of local communities in nature conservation, management and sustainable utilization and built capacity of National University students in biodiversity field surveys. A map of the forest was produced to show the current extent of the forest. This map was used for the development of a strategic plan for sustainable management of Muvumba gallery forest. 1.2. Initially planned Activities

1. Removal of Eucalyptus within Muvumba Gallery forest 2. Establishment of Acacia tree nursery and restoration of Muvumba Gallery

forest with native species 3. Implementation of agroforestry: creation of an agroforestry tree nursery and

distribution of trees to local farmers 4. Training of trainers for agroforestry 5. Biodiversity inventory (Plant & birds) 6. Mapping of the Muvumba gallery forest 7. Development of a strategic plan for the management of Muvumba Gallery

forest

Part 2. Achievements

The implementation of the Muvumba project was very participatory and inclusive. Some activities have been done by the local cooperatives composed by local farmers surrounding the gallery forest. ACNR signed a contract with the cooperatives after an awareness campaign on the project objectives and the importance of the Muvumba gallery forest. Local authorities at cell, sector and district level as well as the NAFA staff at district and national level were involved in activities planning, monitoring and project evaluation. Other stakeholders were the National University of Rwanda (NUR) which sent tree undergraduate students from the biology and conservation to be trained in techniques of biodiversity surveys (birds, plant and mammal species. The NUR students from the GIS and environmental studies department played a big role in mapping the Muvumba forest and produced an update map.

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2.1. Removal of Eucalyptus trees In one part of the outer forest; 2,602 invasive eucalyptus trees were completely removed, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2. This was done by a local cooperative called “ABERA”.

Figure 1 and 2: Site where eucalyptus trees were removed. 2.2. Establishment of Acacia tree nursery and restoration of the forest

with native species

2.2.1. Establishment of tree nursery

20,800 seedlings of native species, Acacia kirkii, have been raised and produced in tree nursery situated inside Muvumba gallery forest by a local cooperative called “ABADAHEMUKA”. Figures 3, 4 and 5.

Figure 3: Acacia tree nursery inside the Muvumba forest

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Figure 4: Nursing the young trees Figure 5: Young Acacia plants

2.2.2. Restoration of the forest with native species

A total area of 3 ha of Muvumba forest was restored using the indigenous species, Acacia

kirkii. The figures 6-114 show ACNR staff, representatives from the district of Nyagatare, National Forestry Authority (NAFA) launching the Acacia tree planting activity. Figure 6: NAFA and ACNR staff together

with ABERA leader (on right during the launch of acacia planting

The tree planting techniques have demonstrated to the members of local cooperative “ABERA” who later on, planted a total of 20,500 young plants. The transport of the young plant from the nursery to the site was done by ACNR staff.

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Figure 7 & 8: Ms Julia Ritsche of ACNR bringing the plant to the site

Figure 9: Mr. Dismas Bakundukize of NAFA demonstrating the tree planting techniques.

Figure 10-13: ACNR staff (including expatriates) and cooperative members planting acacia kirkii

at the official launching of Muvumba restoration.

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2. 3. Implementation of agroforestry: creation of a tree nursery and

distribution of trees to local farmers

2. 3.1. Establishment of tree nursery

In Ryaruganzu village, Rutoma cell of Katabagemu sector, a valley close to Nyagatare town, 51,000 seedlings of a favorite an agroforestry tree in this region, Grevillea robusta have been produced in nursery established by the local cooperative called “DUFATANYE II. Figure 14, 15 and 16.

Figure 14: The Grevillea robusta tree nursery

Figure 15: Young Grevillea robusta plants Figure 16: Monitoring visit to the tree nursery

(Staff of NAFA, Nyagatare district, ACNR and Cooperative members)

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2. 3.2. Distribution of trees to local farmers

A total of 150,037 young plants of Grevillea were distributed to distributed to local 358 households of farmers from the cells of Rutoma (villages Rutoma, Mahoro and Ryaruganzu), Kanyeganyege (villages Kabaya and Rebero), Kaduha (villages Urumuri and Nyabiyonza), Nyakigando Centre (village Kamutara, Ntoma, Kabeza, Rebero) and 2 churches (1 Adventist church and 1 Anglican churches).

Figure 17 and 18: Local farmers collecting Grevillea robusta tree in a nursery at Nyaruganzu village

Figures 19 and 20: Local farmers participating in Grevillea robusta tree planting in their own farms.

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2. 4. Training in Agroforestry techniques

ACNR has produced a training manual in Kinyarwanda language on agroforestry techniques and practices for local communities. This training manual was used to train 88 local farmers (men and women) from Katabagemu sector, administrative cells of Kanyeganyege, Nyakigando, Rutoma and Kaduha. The training was conducted in four days (from 18th-21th May 2010) and trainees were divided into two groups of 44 people each for two days. Most of trainees were local authorities, opinion leaders and local cooperative church leaders who can read and write. A local forester, familiar with the problems of forests and land management of the regional was hired to deliver the training. A participatory approach was used during the training with plenary and group works sessions. Figure 21: A group discussions Figure 22: A group rapporteur in plenary The training content included among other:

- The definitions of agroforestry, - The importance of agroforestry, - Type of agroforestry trees and how to select them, - Forestry techniques, - Etc…

At the end of the training sessions, all trainees received a brochure on agroforestry in Kinyarwanda language as an “Aide-memoire”.

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Figure 23: Cover page of the training manual in agroforestry techniques

2. 5. Biodiversity inventory (Plant & birds)

2.5.1. Introduction

This biodiversity survey was carried out in Muvumba gallery forest in June 2010 by ACNR staff. The survey also served as a training exercise for three students from National University of Rwanda (NUR); Mr. Philip Niyonzima from 4th year Botany and Conservation (3rd stand from left), Marie Goretti Manikuzwe (2nd stand from right) and Aloys Ntezimana (1st seating from right) both from 3rd year Zoology and Conservation biodiversity survey techniques and to help them undertake research and monitoring in the future. Two students from UK also participated in this survey during their holiday in Rwanda.

Figure 24: Team for biodiversity survey

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2.5.2. Bird survey

2.5.2.1. Introduction

A bird survey was carried out in Muvumba Gallery forest from 21st to 25th of June 2010 to give a broad picture on the current condition of the habitat and the dependent birds. The ornithology team was lead by Mr. Marc Ndimukaga a research assistant at ACNR and included two students from National University of Rwanda as trainees.

Figure 25: Ornithology team

2.5.2.2. Methods

A bird survey was conducted at Muvumba gallery forests from 21st-25th June 2010 between 6 am-10 am and 15 pm-18 pm. The bird species were identified and counted using binoculars, telescope and camera. Point count method every 200m along transects set in the forests were used. Opportunistic observations within and around the forests were also used. Birds of East Africa field book were used for identification of some of the birds. Where the bird species were unknown, the survey team attempted to use common bird books for identification. However, in those cases where team members were in doubt or in those instances where identifications were judged to be suspect, photos were taken and analyzed later. However, some of these unknown birds were not forest species but were flying over the forest.

2.5.2.3. Results and discussion

A total of 62 bird species were recorded during the point counts and opportunistic observations within and around the forest (table1 below).

Table 1: Check list of bird species recorded in Muvumba gallery forest.

No Common Name Scientific name

1 White-browed Coucal Centropus superciliosus

2 Black headed Gonolek Laniarius erythrogaster 3 Bronze Mannkin Lonchura cucullata

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4 Fawn-breasted waxbill Estrilda paludicola 5 Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia capicola 6 Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola

7 White-collared Oliveback Nesocharis ansorgei

8 Grey Crowned Crane Balearica regulorum

9 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

10 Long Crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis

11 Allow marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii

12 African Open Billed Stork Anastomus lamelligerus

13 Augur Buzzard Buteo augur

14 Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala

15 Marabout Stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus

16 Yellow billed Stork Mycteria ibis

17 Common Fiscal Lanius collaris

18 Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus

19 Tambourine Dove Turtur tympanistria

20 Hamerkop Scopus umbretta

21 Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis

22 Sooty Falcon Falco concolor

23 Grey Backed Fiscal Lanius excubitoroides

24 African Harrier-hawk Polyboroides typus

25 Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis

26 Marachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata

27 Ruppel’sLong-tailed Starling Lamprotornis purpuropterus

28 Black Kite Milvus migrans

29 Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus

30 Red Bishop Euplectes orix

31 Fan-tailed Widowbird Euplectes axillaris

32 Pied Crow Corvus albus

33 African Thrush Turdus pelios

34 Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus

35 Red billed Firefinch Lagonostica senegala

36 Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu Uraeginthus bengalus

37 Black-headed Weaver Ploceus cucullatus

38 Baglafecht Weaver Ploceus baglafecht

39 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

40 Chin-spot Batis Batis molitor

41 Ross’ Turaco Musophaga rossae

42 Yellow-throated Longclaw Macronyx croceus

43 Chubs Cisticola Cisticola chubbi

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44 Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis

45 Red-chested Sunbird Cinnyris erythrocerca

46 Crowned Hornbill Tockus alboterminatus

47 African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis

48 Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash

49 Cinamon-chested Bee eater Merops pusillus

50 African-pigmy Kingfisher Ispidina picta

51 Emerald-spotted Wood-dove Turtur chalcospilos

52 African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp

53 Grey headed Sparrow Passer griseus

54 House Sparrow Passer domesticus

55 Green-winged Pytilia Pytilia melba

56 Ashy Flycatcher Muscicapa caerulescens

57 Back Cuckoo-shrike Campephaga flava

58 Southern black Flycatcher Melaenornis pammelaina

59 Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis

60 African wattled lapwing Vanellus senegallus

61 Tropical Boubou Laniarius aethiopicus

62 Blue-napped Mousebird Urocolius macrourus

The most significance finding from this census is the recording of the near threatened Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor) and the Vulnerable Grey crowned Crane (Balearica

regulonum).

2.5. 3. Plants survey

2.5.3.1. Introduction

The gallery forest is important for the purification of the water of Muvumba river by catching soil from erosion on the hillsides and avoid the river to be expended by fixation of the soil to both shores, contribute to the favorable micro-climatic conditions and sustain the Muvumba River bank. This vegetation also provides a habitat of many species of birds, small mammals (bats) and big mammals (primate like Cercopithecus

aetiopicus). However, this gallery forest is steel being degraded by bricks makers, tree cutters for making charcoal and burn their bricks, clearance for agriculture, and cattle grazing. Until now this forest was not botanically known as many programs were only limited on Acacia tree planting. That is why the botanical survey was conducted in May 2010 by an ACNR team comprising research assistants a student from National University of

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Rwanda and volunteers. A local resident was also hired as a field guide to assist the team in the identification of the indigenous plant species. Figure 26 & 27: Botany team The survey aimed at determining species existing, frequency as well as providing information about pressure and stresses related to the habitat disturbance and making some conservation recommendations accordingly.

2.5.3.2. Method

Sampling has been made inside the vegetation. To determine the floristic composition of the studied area, random sampling plots were in consideration of species variation, following consideration of the appropriate minimal sampling plots 2 m radius for herb, 10m radius for shrubs, 20 m radius for tree (Edouard) in order to record both the tree/shrub and the herb layers. In total, 20 plots were surveyed. Species identification has been done with the following references: Troupin, 1985, Flora of tropical East Africa, Flore d’Afrique Centrale, plants of Nyungwe National park Rwanda, Les plantes ligneuses du Rwanda. At least, specimen has been collected and stored for further identification of some uncertain species.

2.5.3.3. Results and discussion

In total 70 plant species being recorded from 65 genera and 37 families in 20 plots done to the both sides of the Muvumba River. 16 are trees from 11 families and 13 genera, the dominant family tree was the Mimosaceae represented by Acacia kirkii.

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Of the 20 plots done the Acacia kirkii was recorded with a dominant abundance.This species is threatened to cutting for its important biomass energy to make bricks and charcoal. 23 shrubs from 17 families and 23 genera represented by Lantana camara this is an indicator of disturbed area, 25 grass from 14 families and 22 genera dominated by therophytic biological types (Crassocephalum montuosum, Achyranthes aspera, Solanum

nigrum, Spilanthes Costata, Melanthera scandens) that are indicators of disturbed area. 5 lianas represented by Cissus quadrangularis, Paulinia pinnata were also recorded. Paulinia pinata as herbaceous plant frequently found in all plots done, this the same for the species Acacia kirkii a tree form. This is supported by the reason there are characteristics of gallery forests.

Table 2: List of plant species recorded in Muvumba gallery forest

No Species name

Familly

Bio. form

1 Spermacoce princeae Rubiaceae Shrub 2 Clerodendron johnstonii Verbenaceae Shrub 3 Crassocephalum montuosum Asteraceae Grass 4 Justicia flava Acanthaceae Grass 5 Cissampelos mucronata Menispermaceae Liana 6 Panicum sp. Poaceae Grass 7 Carisssa edulis Apocynaceae Shrub 8 Rubus sp. Rosaceae Shrub 9 Achyranthes aspera Amaranthaceae Grass 10 Acacia kirkii Mimosaceae Tree 11 phoenix reclinata Arecaceae Tree 12 Pavonia urens Cav. Malvaceae Shrub 13 Allophylus africanus Sapendaceae Tree 14 Phytolacca dodecandra Phytolaccaceae Shrub 15 Erytrina abyssinica Fabaceae Tree 16 cyantula uncinulata Amaranthaceae Shrub 17 Maytenus sp. Selastraceae Tree 18 Grevillea robusta Proteaceae Tree 19 Polysias fulva Alariaceae Tree 20 Polygonum sp. Polygonaceae Grass 21 Cissus quadrangularis Vitaceae Liana 22 Hypoestes triflora Acanthaceae Grass

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23 Ageratum conyzoides Asteraceae Grass 24 Bidens pilosa Asteraceae Grass 25 Vernonia amygdalina Asteraceae Shrub 26 Basella alba Basselaceae Liana 27 Markhamia lutea Bignoniaceae Tree 28 Capparis sp. Capparaceae Shrub 29 Bridelia micranta Euphorbiaceae Shrub 30 Cyperus papyrus Cyperaceae Grass 31 Ricinus communis Euphorbiaceae Tree 32 Commelina sp. Commelinaceae Grass 33 Desmodium rependum Fabaceae Grass 34 Dovyalis macrocalyx Flacourtiaceae Shrub 35 Acacia polyacantha subs. Campanulacantha Mimosaceae Tree 36 Acacia siberiana Mimosaceae Tree 37 Albizia gummifera Mimosaceae Tree 38 Ficus vallis-choudae Moraceae Tree 39 Hyparrhenia sp. Poaceae Grass 40 Panicum sp. Poaceae Grass 41 Clausena anisata Rutaceae Shrub 42 Teclea nobilis Rutaceae Shrub 43 Tragia brevipes Euphorbiaceae Grass 44 Paulinia pinnata Sapendaceae Liana 45 Grewia trichocarpa Tiliaceae Shrub 46 Acanthus pubescens Acanthaceae Shrub 47 Ipomea wightii Convolvulaceae Grass 48 Ipomea involucrata Convolvulaceae Grass 49 Ipomea sp. Convolvulaceae Grass 50 Lagenaria sphaerica Cuculbitaceae Liana 51 Phylantus ovalifolius Euphorbiaceae Shrub 52 Stephania abyssinica Menispermaceae Liana 53 Lantana camara Verbenaceae Shrub 54 Solanum aculeastrum Solanaceae Shrub 55 Pavetta termifolia Rubiaceae Shrub 56 Mimosa pigra Mimmosaceae Shrub 57 Botriocline ruwenzoriensis Asteraceae Shrub 58 Sida acuta Malvaceae Grass 59 Pennisetum purpreum k. Poaceae Shrub 60 Ficus exasperta Moraceae Tree 61 Bambousa vulgaris Poaceae Shrub

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62 Solanum nigrum Solanaceae Grass 63 Spilanthes Costata Asteraceae Grass 64 Melanthera scandens Asteraceae Grass 65 Ipomea cairica Convolvulaceae Grass 66 Sapium ellipticum Euphorbiaceae Tree 67 Microglosa pyrifolia Asteraceae Grass 68 Afromomum argustifolium Zingiberaceae Grass 69 Asparagusracemosus Asparagaceae Grass 70 Fagaropsis angolensis Rutaceae Tree

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MAP OF UM UVUMBA GALLERY FOREST

NYAGATARE DISTRICT

Area = 1 0 02ha 1 9a 05 ca

Umuvumba Gallery Forest Unpaved Road

Sector Boundary

Umuvumba River % Town or Center

Paved Road

% %

%%

LEGEND

1500 0 1500 3000 Meters

Scale: 1/150 000

SOURCE: GPS data November 2010

and Carte Topographique du Rwanda

EASTERN PROVINC E

RWAND A

2. 6. Mapping of the Muvumba gallery forest

A team of two surveyors from GIS and environmental studies department of the NUR spent two weeks and recorded GPS points along the Muvumba gallery forest. Afterward, an update map has been produced. The map of the forest below (Figure 25) was produced to show the current extent of the forest. This map revealed that the Muvumba gallery forest remains with an area of 1,002 ha 19a 05ca.

Figure 28: Map of Muvumba gallery forest

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2.7. Development of a strategic plan for better management of

Muvumba gallery forest. The strategies for the sustainable management of Muvumba gallery forest have been developed and summarized below.

Strategic plan for conserving the Muvumba

gallery forest,

Nyagatare district, Eastern Province, Rwanda

1. Introduction

Rwanda is a Central African country, situated South of the Equator, between 1o 4’ and 2o 51’S and 28o 53’ E. The country, being densely populated (318 people per square kilometre), and with a population growth rate of 3 %, has lost its natural forest resources at an alarming rate. Forests are cleared for farming, settlement and firewood purposes. Located in Eastern Province of Rwanda, Nyagatare district, the Muvumba gallery forest is one of the rare remnant forests currently threatened by human activities like farming, settlement, firewood collection and agriculture. According to the surveys recently carried out by the Association pour la Conservation

de la Nature au Rwanda (ACNR) a national conservation NGO dedicated to the promotion of biodiversity conservation through participatory and sustainable management of natural resources in Rwanda, the forest covers today an area of 1,002 ha, while it was covered about 2,500 ha in 1980s. It touches the administrative sectors of Karama, Gatunda, Tabagwe, Nyagatre, Rwempasha, Musheli and Matimba. The forest covers both banks of the Muvumba river on the national territory in the first five sectors but forms the international boundary with the Republic of Uganda in the sectors Musheli (in part) and Matimba The forest holds 62 bird species including near threatened Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor) and the Vulnerable Grey crowned Crane (Balearica regulonum), 70 plant species (65 genera and 37 families), mammals (hippopotamus, monkeys), reptiles and many insects. The Acacia kirkii, the dominant tree in the Muvumba forest is unique and does not occur anywhere else in this great lakes region. The species is in balance with its environment, tolerates the frequent flooding, and maintains a humid microclimate all the year round thus enabling many undergrowth species to survive. The species grows very quickly and has an optional protection of themselves plus protecting the animals that breeds in those tree species. The forest is owned by the Government of Rwanda through the Ministry in charge of

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Forestry but it doesn’t have any protection status. It is fully unprotected. However, this forest is still among the rarest gallery forests in Rwanda which constitute a conservation priority for the Rwanda National Resources Authority (RNRA). In addition, this forest is also considered as the lung of the city of Nyagatare in its master plan under preparation. 2. Strategies

This part presents the strategies for sustainable forest ecosystem management, which are the basis for coarse filter management or managing the forest landscape as a whole. Different strategies were proposed to ensure The Muvumba forest resources are sustainably managed in order to generate an appropriate balance of economic, environmental, and social values from this state forest. The strategies were developed through a participatory approach. This combined deep consultations with all stakeholders. Surveys using questionnaires and group discussions were conducted with local communities and interviews with local authorities, NGOs, etc… The document of strategic plan was reviewed by a team of expert foresters and other resource persons. For each strategy, key activities have been proposed as follow: Strategy 1: Increasing awareness of local communities in nature conservation,

management and sustainable utilization of natural resources.

Organize sensitization meeting with community members

Reinforce and create clubs promoting environment conservation in villages and schools

Organize workshops and meeting to show films on conservation and environment

Produce and print educational materials (Posters, Brochures, …)

Organize the emissions on community radio in Nyagatare

Organize training sessions

Organize education tours for local community members

Encourage regulated access to certain forest resources with minimal impact on the environment

Monitoring change of attitudes to conservation regularly

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Strategy 2: Protection of Muvumba forest.

The management and protection of forests shall ensure that except the special authorization by offered by the minister in charge of forestry in Rwanda; the following activities are prohibited in Muvumba gallery forest: - Clearing for any reason; - Hunting; - Construction of houses, roads; - Cutting of trees; - Grazing and other activity prohibited by the Rwanda forest law.

Strategy 3: Muvumba riparian strip protection

The protection will include the Rehabilitation of degraded patches. Degrading here is understood to mean that the Acacia kirkii (imikinga) trees have been destroyed for animal husbandry, settlement firewood collection and agriculture. This rehabilitation requires the strict use of the “Imikinga” species which are native to the area. No exotic species will be allowed. The activities for the restoration and conservation of the riparian strip will avoid an introduction of any exotic species which could negatively impact other biodiversity and the whole environment. Muvumba river 10 m

50 m

Figure 1: Riparian zone to be rehabilitated and protected

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Strategy 4. Removal of invasive species and Eucalyptus trees

Invasive species like Lantana camara and some crops will be removed; otherwise, they would suffocate the trees. The removal of the invasive weeds like Lantana camara (umuhengeri) will be done on 150 ha. The introduced Eucalyptus trees and other exotic species will be also removed Strategy 5: Maintenance and guarding of trees using rangers

Planted trees seedlings will be protected to avoid their damages by domestic animals or humans. This will be among the responsibilities of the Nyagatare district. Strategy 6: Improve the living conditions of people living near the Muvumba forest

Sensitise local people to engage in income generating activities. For example, the creation of cooperatives,

Train associations in project formulation, development and monitoring

Support associations identified to improve their production

Identify market that will assure the sale of produce generated by associations

Identify other incoming generating activities that may benefit people

Assist the development of local cooperative members to supply locally produced product (e.g : fruits, handcrafts etc.)

Assist with the training of cooperative members to improve production and maintain quality in their product s and services.

Encourage development NGOs with development expertise to support the income generating projects

Objective 7: To work in partnership with local government and NGOs to enhance

natural resources management in and around the Muvumba gallery

forest

Identify potential areas for community collaboration and integration. For example

through churches, schools, environment clubs, youth groups, etc.

Create environmental committees at the villages and sector level. These committees will be represented at forest management planning stages.

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Ensure participation of communities and other relevant organizations at all forest planning and management processes

Objective 8. To reduce the conflicts between Muvumba forest and the population

To encourage the population to practice modern methods of cattle keeping

To reduce the number of cattle

To popularize intensive breeding

To convert farms

To cultivate forage crops

To construct more valley dams near the Muvumba gallery forest and protect the Muvumba river banks

Part 3. Lessons learnt By implementing the project “Conservation of Muvumba gallery forest”, some lessons were learnt: The project offered a good opportunity to advocate for the conservation of

Muvumba gallery forest. Today, thanks to this CARPE funded project, conservation challenges of this forest are well known at all administration levels of the country.

The participatory planning approach is an important tool to inform the decision making process and local community.

Communication is of utmost importance: public needs to be informed, especially on an integrated approach of natural resources.

The process of integrated multi-stakeholder consultation and participation builds

social capital which is beneficial for governance issues crucial for all conservation and development success.

More attention is needed for the equitable sharing of benefits and the integration of

stakeholders’ knowledge.

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The implementation of the project doesn’t sometimes exactly match with the project plan: it is important to be able to respond creatively to new circumstances and to unexpected hindrances.

All lessons learnt from this project will help ACNR to improve future project planning, implementation and monitoring. This project was one option for community development, which fostered solidarity, but which required greater follow-up and strengthening, in such a way that the experiences may be shared with other communities who will continue these processes of reflection and commitment to the future.

Part 4. Conclusion and recommendations 4.1. Conclusion. Muvumba gallery forest appears to be heavily encroached on all sides leaving a small remnant of forest. This forest still faces various human disturbances i.e. crop plantations and brick making facilities. However, through the collective effort of all stakeholders, together we shall win to conserve this beautiful natural heritage. We take this opportunity to address many thanks to the joint effort and role played by NAFA and the Authorities of Nyagatare District to slow down illegal activities inside the forest.

The number of birds species recorded identified shows that Eastern gallery forests are rich in biodiversity. Consequently, positive measures towards Muvumba gallery forest conservation were well defined in the strategic plan but the following need an immediate interventions from all stakeholders involved in conservation.

- The restoration of degraded areas using indigenous species so to recover the ecosystem services these areas used to provide.

- Awareness on the link between conservation and long term availability of resources should be promoted through both formal and informal educational programs.

- Funding sources should be looked for to promote capacity building for developing ecotourism projects and other alternatives.

- The value of ecosystem services provided by Muvumba gallery forest should be recognized and gradually integrated into national policies (at district level) towards a sustainable development.

The Muvumba gallery forest should be protected and managed for its biological importance and rarity its plant species in Gallery forests (Acacia kirkii).

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4.2. Recommendations The strategic plan developed for the management of Muvumba gallery forest clearly provides key actions to be taken in the short, mid and long term for the sustainable management of the Muvumba forest with inclusion of all stakeholders. However, we would suggest the following recommendations to the high level decision makers in forestry and environment sector and civil society organisations to better preserve and improve this ecosystem:

- Enhancing protection of Muvumba forest should be a high priority for the Rwanda National Resources Authority (RNRA) and Rwanda Environment Management Authority (NAFA) in close collaboration with concerned NGOs like ACNR.

- The new rice project called “perimeter 8”, implemented in Nyagatare district by the Rural Support Project/Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), should take into consideration the biodiversity and environment aspects, particularly the protection of Muvumba riparian strip. The following strategies should be applied: Protection of the buffer zone along the river banks Rehabilitation of the degraded patches using Acacia kirkii Removal of invasive species Maintenance and guarding of trees using rangers.

During the biodiversity survey and the forest mapping, we found that the Muvumba forest is much polluted (domestic waste including plastic bags. We recommend that

- Nyagatare district to clean the forest and to regulate waste disposal in the forest caused by farmers, by disseminating and sensitizing the concerned groups on the regulation of waste disposal emphasizing the use of trash bins and toilets.

- Researches leading to the improvement of the management of Muvumba gallery forest should be identified encouraged.