Nyagatare District in partnership with TREPA has planted 11,200 trees across seven hectares in an initiative aimed at promoting environmental conservation, combating climate change and increasing forest coverage. The tree-planting exercise took place at Kabuga site in Karama Sector on November 12, 2026.
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The exercise brought together local leaders and residents, who highlighted the importance of forests in protecting the environment and ensuring a better future for coming generations.
Residents Welcome Tree-Planting Initiative
Some residents who spoke to AGACIRO PRESS expressed their satisfaction with the initiative, noting that forests play an important role in people’s lives and contribute to environmental protection.
Uwimana Vestine said she was pleased with the tree-planting exercise, explaining that forests help protect the environment and provide fresh air.
She said: “Planting trees is a very good initiative because forests help us get fresh air and protect the environment. We are happy that this activity has taken place in our community, and as residents, we will work together with local authorities to protect these trees and ensure they grow well.”
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Muhire Gervais also highlighted the importance of forests in preventing soil erosion and protecting the environment. He called on residents to take responsibility for safeguarding the newly planted trees.
He said: “Trees are very important in our lives. They protect us against soil erosion, help us get fresh air and contribute to environmental conservation. We are encouraged to plant them, but most importantly, we must protect them to ensure they are not destroyed while they are still young.”
Uwajeneza Regina emphasised that planting trees benefits both the current generation and future generations. She encouraged residents to develop a culture of planting and protecting trees.
She said: “We appreciate this initiative because trees are very important to us, both now and in the future. It is our responsibility to protect and take care of them. When we plant and preserve trees, we contribute to environmental protection and secure a better future for the generations that will come after us.”
Residents Urged to Protect Newly Planted Trees
Nyagatare District’s Corporate Service Divion Manager, NDORIMANA Deny, urged residents living near the planting sites to take an active role in protecting and maintaining the trees.
He emphasised that environmental conservation should not be left to local authorities alone, noting that communities living near forests and tree-planting sites have a major responsibility to ensure their protection.
He said: “What I ask of you is that we have already planted trees in some areas, and there are others where we will plant in the future. Those of you living nearby are the first people responsible for protecting them. Preventing their destruction and maintaining them are in your hands, and I urge you to take good care of them.”
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Forests Contribute to Environmental Protection and Development
NDORIMANA further explained that forests play an important role in improving air quality and supporting various development activities, including the construction of public infrastructure.
He said: “Forests are important because they help us get fresh air. Whenever we have a government infrastructure project to undertake, such as constructing bridges and other facilities, we make use of the trees we have planted. Therefore, these trees are beneficial to all of us today and will continue to benefit us in the future.”
His remarks highlighted the importance of treating trees as a long-term resource that benefits communities, the country and future generations.
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Forests contribute significantly to environmental protection by absorbing carbon dioxide, improving air quality, preventing soil erosion and supporting biodiversity. They also help reduce the effects of climate change and contribute to water conservation.
Nyagatare Targets 1.33 Million Trees This Year
The plan to plant 1,332,800 trees across 833 hectares in Nyagatare District this year demonstrates the district’s commitment to expanding forest coverage and promoting sustainable environmental management.
However, achieving this target requires continued cooperation between local authorities and residents, particularly in maintaining newly planted trees and monitoring their growth.
The planting of 11,200 trees across seven hectares at Kabuga site in Karama Sector marks another step towards achieving the district’s annual target.
