Nyandungu Eco-Park: New Tourist Attraction in Kigali
From a degraded wetland to an educational and recreational eco-park in the heart of the Rwandan capital, Kigali Nyandungu opened to the public early July 2022.
By George Kalisa
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) and Rwanda Development Board (RDB) July 7 signed an agreement with QA Venue Solutions to open and manage Nyandungu Eco-Park. The opening of Nyandungu Eco-Park represents the single largest addition to public green space in Kigali city’s history.
Juliet Kabera, REMA’s DG said Nyandungu wetland represents the value of restoring urban ecosystems, and will serve as a blueprint for other wetlands in Kigali and country.
“Urban wetlands play a critical role in preventing flooding, addressing pollution and are home to unique biodiversity. As we face impacts of climate change, wetlands will be a key ally to protect lives and livelihoods. We look forward to working with partners to replicate success of restoring Nyandungu in other urban wetlands in Kigali and country.”
The Nyandungu Eco-Park provides a space for residents and visitors to the city to explore and learn from nature, and is part of Rwanda’s efforts to harness eco-tourism to restore biodiversity and conserve urban wetland ecosystems.
Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA) with support from UK and Italian Govts through the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the UN Environment Programme funded the Rwf 4.5bn project.
The 6-yr initiative restored Nyandungu wetland ecosystem and promoted sustainable management of natural resources. The initiative has also created approx. 4,000 green jobs.
“The restoration of Nyandungu wetland to an eco-tourism park serves as example of Rwanda’s efforts and commitment towards environmental protection, particularly for conservation of wetland ecosystems as well as eco-tourism. We look forward to welcoming domestic and international tourists to create fond memories in this biodiversity hotspot in Kigali,” said Zephanie Niyonkuru, Deputy CEO, RDB.
“Investing in nature is the best investment we can make. By protecting and restoring our ecosystems, we create jobs, improve people’s well-being and build community resilience to climate change and extreme weather events. The Fund is grateful for the support provided by our partners in the rehabilitation of the Nyandungu wetland, and we look forward to the many environmental and health benefits it will bring for generations to come,” said Teddy Mugabo, CEO, FONERWA.
The facility is the first public recreational and touristic facility of its kind in Kigali, managed by QA Venue Solutions through an MoU with the GoR. QA Venue Solutions also operates BK Arena is responsible for day-to-day management and offer guided tours.
“QA Venue Solutions is excited to take on the opportunity of managing Nyandungu Eco-Park in partnership with the GoR, and believes in the agenda of protecting and restoring the wetlands. Our aim is to work side by side with government to achieve objectives set out for Nyandungu wetland, while preserving space and allowing community to benefit through educational and recreational activities,” said Kyle Schofield, MD, QA Venue Solutions.
Restoration of the Nyandungu wetland and creation of an eco-tourism park saw the planting of 17,000 trees made up of 55 indigenous species. 121-ha Park 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.