ARECO RWANDA NZIZA

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ARECO RWANDA NZIZA

It was established in 1991. ARECO currently has a hundred of members distributed throughout Rwanda.

Founded in 1991, the Rwandan Association of Ecologists (ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA) promotes biodiversity, land restoration, pollution reduction, and climate adaptation in Rwanda through community engagement and sustainable partnerships. The Rwandan Ecologists’ Association ARECO is a non-profit-making association operating in the area of environmental protection and local development, with its head office located in the Rwandan capital Kigali. The Association’s vision is a concerted and equitable sustainable management of natural resources for environmental protection and the fight against poverty in communities, in particular the most vulnerable ones. Protecting and preserving natural resources and the environment as well as sensitizing the population about nature conservation and protection are its main objectives. ARECO intervenes in grassroots communities’ support in the natural resources management in general and that of forests in particular. ARECO is also involved in environmental education, sensitization of the public and advocacy for the sustainable management of environment. ARECO carries out its activities all over the Rwandan territory, with focus on the Northern and Western Province.

24/09/2026

On 24 September 2026, ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA, represented by Dr. Elie Ntirenganya, joined stakeholders in Kigali for a national validation workshop on Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES), organized by the Ministry of Environment with support from the European Union.

The workshop explored how people and communities who protect forests, wetlands, water sources, and other ecosystems can be better recognized and supported for the valuable services they provide to society.

The discussions also focused on strengthening Rwanda’s PES framework and creating greater opportunities for collaboration among communities, government, civil society, and the private sector.

The link to the full story is in the comments.

09/09/2026

Le 31 août 2026, le projet AFeHo Mukamira, mis en œuvre par la Coopérative des Femmes TUZAMURANE avec l’accompagnement technique d’ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA et en collaboration avec l’administration locale, a accueilli une mission de suivi de l’Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), Représentation pour l’Afrique centrale (REPAC).

La délégation de l’OIF/REPAC était conduite par Mme Talulah ESSAM. Elle était accompagnée, pour ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA, par M. Balthazar TWAGILIMANA, Vice-Président, et Mme Aline INGABIRE, Trésorière. Les échanges ont également réuni M. Jean Paul NKUBITO, Point Focal du projet, ainsi que les représentants de l’administration du District de Nyabihu et du Secteur Mukamira.

La mission s’inscrivait dans le cadre du suivi du financement accordé au projet à travers le programme « La Francophonie avec Elles ». Après les échanges avec les différentes parties prenantes, la délégation s’est rendue sur les sites de production et de commercialisation de tomates et d’autres produits horticoles.

Guidée par Mme Marie Rose ZAVUGA, Présidente de la Coopérative TUZAMURANE, la visite a permis à la délégation de constater les progrès réalisés par les femmes bénéficiaires dans le développement de leurs activités agricoles et commerciales.

À l’issue de la visite, la représentante de l’OIF a salué l’engagement des membres de la coopérative et s’est déclarée particulièrement satisfaite des réalisations observées. Elle a également encouragé le renforcement des capacités dans les domaines de la commercialisation, du marketing et de la gestion coopérative.

ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA se réjouit de cette mission, qui témoigne de l’importance des partenariats dans l’accompagnement des initiatives portées par les femmes et dans le renforcement de leur autonomisation économique.

Nous adressons nos encouragements aux femmes de la Coopérative TUZAMURANE pour leur engagement et les progrès accomplis, et réaffirmons notre engagement à poursuivre l’accompagnement technique du projet AFeHo Mukamira.

05/09/2026

On 4 September 2026, ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA joined conservation partners at the 21st Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony in Kinigi, Musanze, represented by a delegation led by our Vice President, Mr. Balthazar Twagilimana.

Held under the theme “Conservation is Life: Sustaining the Future,” the event celebrated the naming of 22 baby mountain gorillas and Rwanda’s continued progress in protecting its unique biodiversity.

Our participation reaffirmed ARECO’s commitment to community-based conservation around Volcanoes National Park. Through sustainable agriculture, women’s bamboo cooperatives, and tree and bamboo planting in Burera, Musanze and Nyabihu, we work with communities to strengthen livelihoods while protecting the park and its fragile ecosystem.

📷 Image credit: RDB

31/08/2026

On 27 August 2026, ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA joined partners in Kinigi Sector for the launch of the Smart Green Village project, an initiative supporting communities around Volcanoes National Park.

Held as part of the activities leading up to the 21st Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony, the event brought together national and local leaders, conservation partners, and other stakeholders committed to strengthening the connection between conservation and community development.

ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA representatives had the opportunity to engage with key conservation and local government partners, reaffirming our shared commitment to protecting nature while ensuring communities benefit from tourism and conservation.

28/08/2026

Le 26 août 2026, s’est tenue à Nyabihu la troisième réunion du Comité de Pilotage du projet AFeHo Mukamira, avec la participation des autorités locales, des partenaires RDB, RAB, REFADD et CHT, d’ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA et de la Coopérative TUZAMURANE.

La rencontre a permis de faire le point sur les progrès du projet, soutenu par l’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) dans le cadre du programme « La Francophonie avec Elles », et de définir les priorités pour les prochains mois.

Un moment fort de la journée a été l’inauguration officielle du comptoir « KU NYANYA », dédié à la commercialisation des tomates et autres produits horticoles de la coopérative. Une étape importante pour rapprocher la production des marchés et renforcer les opportunités économiques des femmes de Mukamira.

Retrouvez les principaux résultats de la réunion, les recommandations et les prochaines étapes du projet dans notre article complet sur le site. Le lien est disponible dans les commentaires.

24/08/2026

ARECO is participating in the PSF organized Northern Province Expo, taking place from 19 August to 3 September 2026 at Ubworoherane Stadium in Musanze District.

We are showcasing the KungaBu project, which works to improve food security and livelihoods through sustainable agriculture in Burera, alongside innovative bamboo handicrafts produced by women’s cooperatives supported by ARECO around Volcanoes National Park.

Visit our booth to discover our work in the Northern Province!

06/08/2026

Today, ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA convened a coordination meeting in Remera, Kigali, under the KUNGAHARA Burera (KungaBu) Project, bringing together key stakeholders to review the progress of infrastructure development and strengthen collaboration for the successful implementation of the project.

The meeting, held on 6 August 2026, gathered representatives from ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA, including the National Coordinator, Ms. Dancilla Mukakamari, and the KungaBu project team; Burera District, represented by the Mayor, Ms. Soline Mukamana, the Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Affairs, Mr. Jean Baptiste Nshimyimana, the Executive Secretary of the District, Mr. James Karangwa, the Executive Secretary of Butaro Sector, and other district officials; the European Union Delegation, represented by Ms. Rosine Uwacu; the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB); beneficiary cooperatives KOABUTA and KOAIRUGA; and KungaBu contractors, including BISANDO LTD, the company constructing the composting site, and MVBC Ltd, the company developing the solar-powered irrigation system in Butaro.

The meeting provided an important platform to assess implementation progress, discuss ongoing infrastructure works, address coordination challenges, and agree on priority actions that will enhance the effectiveness, quality, and sustainability of project interventions. Participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintaining strong coordination and partnership to ensure the project delivers lasting benefits for the communities of Kamiranzovu Marshland in Butaro Sector, Burera District.

Funded by the European Union under the KUNGAHARA Programme, the three-year KungaBu Project is jointly implemented by ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA and Burera District to improve food production and livelihoods through climate-smart agriculture, sustainable infrastructure, improved post-harvest management, increased access to productive inputs, and strengthened farmer capacities.

Through continued collaboration among government institutions, development partners, contractors, farmer cooperatives, and local communities, the KungaBu Project is contributing to more resilient agricultural systems and improved livelihoods in Burera District.

01/08/2026

ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA has concluded its participation in the 19th National Agriculture Show, held from 22 to 31 July 2026 at the Mulindi Show Ground in Kigali.

Throughout the exhibition, we showcased two initiatives: the KUNGAHARA Burera (KungaBu) Project, funded by the European Union under the KUNGAHARA Programme, and the AFeHo Mukamira Project, supported by the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) through the La Francophonie Avec Elles programme.

Presenting both projects side by side demonstrated the synergy of our community interventions. While KungaBu promotes sustainable agriculture and improved livelihoods in Burera District, AFeHo Mukamira strengthens women's economic empowerment through climate-resilient horticulture in Nyabihu District. Together, these initiatives reflect ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA's integrated approach to building resilient communities through sustainable agriculture, local partnerships, and inclusive development.

The exhibition concluded with an official closing ceremony, during which all exhibitors received certificates of participation in recognition of their contribution to advancing Rwanda's agriculture and agri-food systems.

We thank MINAGRI for organizing this important national platform, as well as our partners, beneficiaries, and everyone who visited the ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA stand. Your interest, questions, and exchanges made this year's exhibition a valuable opportunity to share experiences, strengthen partnerships, and reaffirm our commitment to sustainable rural development.

The link to the full story is in the comments.

24/07/2026

ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA is participating in the 19th National Agriculture Show, taking place from July 22–31, 2026, at the Mulindi Show Ground in Gasabo, Kigali.

Held under the theme, "Accelerating Agri-Food Systems Transformation through Innovation and Strategic Partnerships," the show provides a platform for innovation, knowledge sharing, and collaboration across Rwanda's agricultural sector.

At our stand, we are showcasing the achievements of the KUNGAHARA Burera (KungaBu) Project, a three-year initiative funded by the European Union under the KUNGAHARA Programme and implemented in partnership with Burera District to improve food production and livelihoods in the Kamiranzovu Marshland area in Butaro Sector.

Organized by MINAGRI, the National Agriculture Show brings together key actors in Rwanda's agricultural sector to share innovations and strengthen partnerships.

Visit our stand to learn more about the KUNGAHARA Burera Project and discover how we are working with partners and communities to promote sustainable agriculture and improve rural livelihoods.

11/07/2026

ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA participated in the Rwanda National Convening on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), Climate Change and Environmental Nexus, held on 9–10 July 2026 in Kigali.

As an RCCDN member organization, we joined government institutions, development partners, academia, and civil society to discuss climate resilience, peacebuilding, and gender-responsive policies.

We thank RCCDN and the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation for organizing this important convening.

Find the full story through the link in the comments.

Address

3 KK 14 Avenue
Kigali

Website

https://arecorwandanziza.org/

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