Rwanda will tomorrow, October 26, launch the first ever ‘Strengthening Climate Resilience of Rural Communities project, as the country pushes efforts to deal with Climate Change.
The $33,160,000 project that will be launched tomorrow in Gicumbi district, will be implemented by the Ministry of Environment and Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA).
According to FONERWA, the project includes $32.8 million grant, with additional $147,000 from Rwanda Green Fund, $107,000 from Gicumbi district while the Wood Foundation will provide $106,000.
The Wood Foundation Rwanda (TWFA) helps to achieve systemic and sustainable change for the tea industry through its Imbarutso project.
The project that will be launched tomorrow is financed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). It will also support the adoption of low carbon technologies and job creation, according to implementers.
“This project is the first of its kind in Rwanda and will benefit hundreds of thousands of people in Gicumbi District. We are pleased to be working in partnership with the Green Climate Fund to increase the resilience of communities vulnerable to climate change, promote sustainable economic development and create green jobs,” said Vincent Biruta, Minister of Environment.
“Rwanda is one of our key target countries and Rwanda has a very well developed national resilience and adaptation plan. The Gicumbi project is unique because it is one of the first GCF projects that integrates multiple aspects of climate change. From that point of view, the impact potential and sustainable development potential is high,” said Ayaan Adam, Director, Green Climate Fund Private Sector Facility.
The launch of the project will raise awareness among residents and highlight the urgency to strengthen climate resilience across Rwanda.
It will also include the Watershed protection and climate resilient agriculture; Forest management and sustainable energy.
Climate-resilient settlements and Knowledge development and transfer and mainstreaming Communities in Gicumbi District will benefit through improved livelihoods, enhanced forest management, climate smart farming and improved agriculture and land management.
The project will also complement Rwanda’s efforts to become a climate-resilient nation and achieve its international commitments under the Paris Agreement.
“Together with our partners, the Rwanda Green Fund is very happy to be implementing this project. Without a doubt, it will improve the lives of Gicumbi residents and contribute to Rwanda’s green growth. We hope this project can be a model that will be scaled up across the country,” said Hubert Ruzibiza, CEO, Rwanda Green Fund.
