Kigali, Rwanda – In an ambitious step toward environmental sustainability, the City of Kigali, in collaboration with the SUNCASA Project, launched the “Igiti Cyanjye” (My Tree) campaign, a community-driven tree-planting initiative aimed at creating a greener and more resilient city.
The launch coincided with the monthly Umuganda community service, during which over 25,000 trees were planted across the districts of Kicukiro, Nyarugenge, and Gasabo. This initial planting brings Kigali closer to its target of adding three million new trees within the next five years.
The campaign calls upon Kigali residents to actively participate in tree planting and ongoing care, emphasizing the role of every individual in building a sustainable future. Mayor Samuel Dusengiyumva underscored the significance of community-led environmental actions, stating, “Today’s Umuganda is more than a day of service; it’s a call to action. Together, we can build a sustainable, green, resilient, and vibrant city.”
The event also marked the official launch of the Scaling Urban Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for Climate Adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SUNCASA) project in Kigali. Spearheaded by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the World Resources Institute (WRI), with funding from Global Affairs Canada, SUNCASA aims to address critical climate issues such as flood risks and soil erosion through the restoration of key watershed areas. Local implementation will be managed by ARCOS Network, AVEGA-Agahozo, and Rwanda Young Water Professionals, with the project expected to support the ‘Igiti Cyanjye’ campaign through 2026 while creating over 5,000 green jobs.
Marc Manyifika, WRI’s Lead for Urban Resilience in Africa, commended Kigali’s proactive stance on climate resilience, saying, “Kigali is setting a strong example in addressing climate challenges. Today’s tree planting is a powerful message—local actions can truly shape a sustainable future.”
The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Rwanda’s Minister of Local Government, Dr. Mugenzi Patrice, and Hon. Justice Nthomeng Majara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs from the Kingdom of Lesotho.
Residents seeking further details about the campaign can reach out to Emma Claudine Ntirenganya, Director General of Communications and Education for the City of Kigali, at 0788597423 or via email at communications@kigalicity.gov.rw.
This campaign highlights Kigali’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the power of community involvement, demonstrating how collective efforts can make a significant impact on the city’s ecological future.