The development and opening of a new ecotourism park is set to be a gamechanger for Rwanda’s tourism sector and the sustainability of the industry.
The Nyandungu Urban Wetland Eco-Tourism Park is a defining moment for Rwanda’s tourism sector and demonstrates what the power of collaboration can achieve.
The Rwandan government along with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Rwanda Environment Management Authority signed an agreement this month with QA Venue Solutions to manage the Nyandungu Eco Urban Wetland Eco-Tourism Park. The ecopark will be the “single largest addition to public green space in Kigali in the city’s history”, according to a statement issued by the RDB.
“Urban wetlands play a critical role in preventing flooding, addressing pollution and are home to unique biodiversity. As we face the impacts of climate change, wetlands will be a key ally to protect lives and livelihoods. We look forward to working with our partners to replicate the success of restoring Nyandungu in other urban wetlands in Kigali and across the country,” commented Juliet Kabera, the director-general of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority. She added that the Nyandungu ecopark is a showcase of what the restoring urban ecosystems can achieve, and that it will serve as a ‘blueprint’ for other projects of a similar nature in the future.
For more information, click here.
Fast facts
- The Nyandungu wetland area restoration resulted in the planting of 17 000 from 55 indigenous species;
- The ecopark is home to more than 62 local plant species and 100 bird species;
- The 121-hectare Nyandungu ecopark is comprised of 70 hectares of wetland and 50 hectares of forest;
- features a medicinal garden, an information centre, restaurant and 10km of walkways and bike trails;
- The park is open from 6AM to 6PM, seven days a week.
WATCH: Nyandungu Urban Wetland Eco-Tourism Park opens to the public
