The implementation of the six-year investment will be jointly executed by IUCN in collaboration with the Government of Rwanda through Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA) and Enabel, the Belgian development agency, as Executing Entities.

The project intends to restore over 60,000 ha of drought-degraded landscapes into climate resilient ecosystems through re-forestation, agroforestry, restoration of pasturelands, and erosion control measures in 7 districts of the Eastern Province of Rwanda, namely Bugesera, Kayonza, Kirehe, Gatsibo, Ngoma, Nyagatare and Rwamagana districts. In particular, the project will contribute to the rehabilitation of approximately 6,545 ha of degraded smallholder forests and their sustainable management under PFMU approach (Private Forests Management Units).  

Speaking during the signing of the funding agreement, Dr Jeanne d'Arc Mujawamariya, the Minister of Environment – Republic of Rwanda said: “Rwanda welcomes the TREPA project approval by GCF Board. The Ministry of Environment commits to its successful implementation working with IUCN as an accredited Entity, Enabel as an Executing Entity and all implementing partners.” 

GCF Deputy Executive Director Javier Manzanares said: "This project epitomises GCF’s strong support for ecosystem-based approaches that also help those most vulnerable to climate change. By targeting Rwanda’s Eastern Province, which contains the country’s largest farming area, this initiative will boost national endeavours to climate proof fragile landscapes. The enhanced ability of local financial institutions to diversify agricultural lending products will help shore up the livelihoods of Rwandan farmers facing climate and COVID-19 pressures."

The project will develop climate resilient markets and supply chains to incentivize public and private investments in forests, increase the capacity of communities to renew and sustainably manage forests and agroforestry resources, and support smallholder farmers to adopt climate-resilient agriculture.  It will also promote improved clean and efficient cooking energy technologies to more than 100,000 households in the Eastern Province of Rwanda.

“We believe that the TREPA project will strongly transform Rwanda’s Eastern Province through adaptation and it will make it resilient to climate change.” Said Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, Rwanda’s Minister of Finance and Economic Planning

Reaffirming IUCN’s commitment to support Rwanda government work and those of its partners, IUCN Regional Director for Eastern & Southern Africa, Luther Anukur said: “With the continued impact of climate change, Africa is facing more frequent droughts and floods. This new project TREPA seeks to contribute to Rwanda’s improved adaptation to climate change through a holistic approach with communities living in the degraded landscapes of Eastern Rwanda. In partnership with Rwanda Government, IUCN is committed to work together with various private sector and NGO partners for a systems wide change.”

The implementation of the six-year investment will be jointly executed by IUCN in collaboration with Government of Rwanda through Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA), Enabel, the Belgian development agency, as Executing Entities with other partners including ICRAF, World Vision, and the Interchurches Organization for Development Cooperation (ICCO) will also be involved in this project implementation    

“Enabel is delighted to join forces with IUCN and the Government of Rwanda in this partnership with the Green Climate Fund” said Jean Van Wetter, Managing Director of Enabel. “We believe this project has great potential to help transform Rwanda’s Eastern Province by promoting forest and landscape restoration. Global challenges require local and adapted solutions as well as multi-stakeholder and integrated approaches. We are strongly committed to the success of this project and to contribute to Rwanda’s efforts in fighting climate change, promoting sustainable resource management, and improving the livelihoods and resilience of its people.”