Rwanda: Rugezi Burera Ruhondo National Park Study Underway

• Rwanda plans to establish its fifth national park, the Rugezi, Burera and Ruhondo National Park, with a comprehensive study expected by December 2026.
• The new park aims to boost ecotourism in the Northern Province and strengthen biodiversity conservation, integrating the Rugezi Wetland with islands of Lakes Burera and Ruhondo.
• Over 30 international experts are collaborating with Rwandan agencies on the project, which could cost more than Rwf3 billion.
• Rugezi Wetland is a vital habitat for 741 species, including the Endangered grey crowned crane, whose population there increased from 71 in 2017 to 378 in 2026.
• The plan includes infrastructure improvements like road access, electricity, and new hotel facilities to support the ecotourism development.

The establishment of the Rwanda Rugezi Burera Ruhondo National Park is expected to significantly enhance the protection of these vulnerable species and the broader wildlife populations found across the wetland and the islands of Lakes Burera and Ruhondo.

Rwanda is advancing plans to establish its fifth national park, integrating the Rugezi Wetland with the islands of Lakes Burera and Ruhondo. This ambitious undertaking, to be known as the Rwanda Rugezi Burera Ruhondo National Park, aims to bolster both biodiversity conservation and ecotourism development within the Northern Province. Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde recently confirmed that a comprehensive study for the proposed park is currently underway, with its completion anticipated by December 2026.

The Governor's remarks were made during the inauguration of the Urugezi Community Centre, located in Ibanda Cell, Miyove Sector, Gicumbi District, adjacent to the Rugezi Wetland. He highlighted that initial research has already uncovered a wider array of wildlife attractions within the wetland than previously recognized, extending beyond the well-known grey crowned cranes. This preliminary phase, which focused on potential visitor experiences, has concluded, paving the way for a more in-depth scientific study, which itself is anticipated for completion this December.

The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has mobilized a team of over 30 international experts to conduct detailed studies for the establishment of the Rugezi, Burera and Ruhondo National Park, alongside a separate Kivu Islands National Park. These specialists bring expertise in biodiversity, business, economics, and community livelihoods, collaborating with various Rwandan agencies including the Rwanda Environment Management Authority, Rwanda Forestry Authority, Water and Sanitation Corporation, and the Rwanda Water Resources Board. This multi-faceted approach underscores the significant Rwanda land use changes national park status will bring.

The proposed Rugezi, Burera and Ruhondo National Park is envisioned as a dual-purpose initiative: a new ecotourism destination and a critical step in strengthening biodiversity conservation efforts. The Rugezi Wetland itself spans approximately 6,735 hectares across the Burera and Gicumbi districts, situated at an elevation of about 2,100 meters. It serves as a vital water source for the Nile River and supplies the Ntaruka hydropower plant, underscoring its ecological and economic importance.

Beyond environmental protection, the Rugezi Wetland national park plan includes significant infrastructure development to support the burgeoning ecotourism sector. Plans are in place to improve road access to the wetland, extend electricity services to local residents who currently rely on solar power, and develop new hotel facilities to accommodate an anticipated increase in visitors. This strategic investment is designed to diversify tourism offerings in the Northern Province, showcasing attractions beyond the region's renowned mountain gorillas.

The integration of the wetland's rich biodiversity with the picturesque landscapes and islands of Lakes Burera and Ruhondo, which includes Lake Burera's nine islands, is central to the park's appeal. The overall establishment of this new protected area is projected to incur costs exceeding Rwf3 billion, reflecting the scale of the Rwanda Development Board RDB conservation commitment.

Recent biodiversity surveys highlight the profound ecological value of the Rugezi Wetland, reinforcing the imperative for its environmental protection. A survey conducted by the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA) identified a remarkable 741 species within the wetland, with 472 of these never before recorded in the area. The comprehensive assessment documented 197 plant species, 134 bird species, and 53 mammal species, including 22 distinct bat species, showcasing the region's rich natural heritage.

The wetland is particularly crucial as a habitat for the grey crowned crane, a species classified as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Data from the RWCA indicates a significant increase in the grey crowned crane population within the wetland, rising from 71 individuals in 2017 to 378 in 2026. Furthermore, BirdLife International has designated Rugezi as an Important Bird Area due to its support for threatened avian species, including not only the grey crowned crane but also the Bradypterus graueri, a rare songbird.

The establishment of the Rwanda Rugezi Burera Ruhondo National Park is expected to significantly enhance the protection of these vulnerable species and the broader wildlife populations found across the wetland and the islands of Lakes Burera and Ruhondo. This Rugezi Wetland environmental protection initiative represents a critical step in safeguarding Rwanda's natural capital for future generations.

Lawyers and compliance officers should monitor the progress of the Rugezi, Burera and Ruhondo National Park establishment for potential impacts on land use, environmental compliance, and new investment opportunities in the ecotourism sector within Rwanda's Northern Province. This development will introduce new regulatory frameworks and conservation mandates affecting businesses and landholders in the designated areas.

Source: Original reporting via AllAfrica Rwanda