On 20th June 2019 in the District of Rubavu in Kanama Sector, Western Province -The Action for the Protection of the Environment and Promotion of the Agriculture sector (APEFA) together with partners participated in the launch of a new project titled ‘Landscape Restoration and Integrated Water Resources Management in Sebeya and other Catchments.’
The project aims at increasing livelihoods and conservation benefits in Sebeya & other catchments through restoration and improved natural resources management, will be implemented in collaboration with Rwanda Water and Forestry Authority (RWFA) International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Netherland Development Organization (SNV) and Action for the Protection of the Environment and Promotion of the Agriculture sector (APEFA) with funding from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (EKN)
The project launch raised awareness among various stakeholders at national and local levels including the communities, where the project will be implemented. The Rwanda Water and Forestry Authority and its partners took the opportunity to enlighten the stakeholders on the benefits that will accrue from implementation of the project.
Sebeya Catchment is shared between Rubavu, Rutsiro, Nyabihu and Ngororero Districts. It has an area of 336 km2 and is facing social and environmental challenges, as it has some of the steepest slopes, highest mountains and a population density exceeding the national average at 400 people/km2. Sebeya Catchment Plan revealed that around 18000 ha are threatened by soil erosion. The area is characterized by floods in Rubavu District and river siltation which has negative impacts on water supply and energy production downstream.
The 3 sub-catchments where the project will be implemented are:
- Karambo: Kanama Sector (Rubavu District) and Nyabirasi Sector (Rutsiro District)
- Sebeya Upstream (Rutsiro, Rubavu and Ngororero Districts);
- Sebeya downstream (Rubavu and Nyabihu Districts).
The project expected outcomes:
- Restore degraded lands in Sebeya & other catchments through agroforestry, afforestation, gullies rehabilitation and river bank protection among other interventions. The project will also implement flood control measures.
- Develop innovative financing mechanisms & value chains for improved livelihoods through ecological & economic benefits.
- Scale up catchment and micro catchment plans to Sebeya and other Catchments (including Nyabarongo, Nyabugogo and Muvumba).
- Implement knowledge management systems for landscape restoration and integrated water resources management.
The project will be implemented through a community approach which emphasizes planning and action by communities at all levels.
