The Rwandan government is mapping native legacy trees to preserve their historical and cultural significance while benefiting from conservation and eco-tourism. The initiative promotes carbon market participation, as older trees store more carbon. Notable trees like ‘Icubya’ reflect Rwanda’s history and community practices. The project seeks to bolster biodiversity and generate economic opportunities through carbon credits.
The Rwandan government is initiating a project to identify and map ‘native legacy trees’ throughout the country. This initiative aims to gather the historical and cultural narratives linked to these trees, which serve crucial roles in conservation efforts, eco-tourism, and the carbon market. Philippe Kwitonda, Director General of Land, Water, and Forestry at the Ministry of Environment, explains that legacy trees are typically the largest and oldest native trees that have survived amidst agricultural expansion and urban development.
These legacy trees possess unique ecological features and demonstrate resilience against climate change effects, such as storms and pests, owing to their age and genetic diversity. The project allows Rwanda to capitalize on the carbon market, permitting climate polluters to fund greenhouse gas emissions-reduction projects elsewhere and count the reductions towards their climate goals. Notably, older trees store more carbon than their younger counterparts due to their significant size.
Among these trees is ‘Icubya,’ an ancient 300-year-old shrine tree located in the Rutunga Sector of Gasabo District. This tree is historically linked to Cyilima II Rujugira, a ruler from 1675 to 1708 who established its significance after a military victory. Rujugira’s legacy lives on as locals still gather under this tree for village meetings. Kwitonda asserts that following the identification and mapping process, the government will formulate policies to ensure the protection of these significant landmarks.
Furthermore, an initiative called the ‘Legacy Tree Tour’ will be introduced to enhance eco-tourism and encourage community-based conservation. Kwitonda emphasizes the necessity of preserving these special trees by documenting them through identification numbers, mandating the protection of those with historical and cultural importance during construction projects.
Beth Kaplin, a Senior Researcher at the University of Rwanda, noted that combining scientific research with traditional knowledge will bolster biodiversity conservation efforts. Plans for a national registry aimed at documenting the ecological and cultural significance of legacy trees will raise awareness and improve access to seed stocks for reforestation and conservation projects.
Concorde Nsengumuremyi, Director General of the Rwanda Forestry Authority, elaborated on the legacy trees’ potential economic benefits through the carbon market. With an expectation to sell 7.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, Rwanda anticipates generating approximately $337 million from carbon credits associated with these trees. The Legacy Tree Project is deemed vital for safeguarding Rwanda’s native trees and creating educational and tourism opportunities for sustainable development.
In summary, Rwanda’s initiative to map and protect legacy trees holds significant implications for conservation, eco-tourism, and the carbon market. By recognizing the historical and cultural value of these trees, the government aims to foster public awareness and promote biodiversity. Additionally, the economic potential through carbon credits presents an opportunity for sustainable development while preserving the nation’s natural heritage.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
