{"id":113726,"date":"2025-10-24T12:11:30","date_gmt":"2025-10-24T12:11:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/nyandungu-eco-park-expansion-what-to-expect"},"modified":"2025-10-24T12:11:30","modified_gmt":"2025-10-24T12:11:30","slug":"nyandungu-eco-park-expansion-what-to-expect","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/nyandungu-eco-park-expansion-what-to-expect","title":{"rendered":"Nyandungu Eco-Park Expansion: What to Expect"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>The Government of Rwanda, through the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), is preparing to launch the second phase of the Nyandungu Urban Wetland Ecotourism Project, which will see the park area expanded by over 35 per cent.<\/p>\n

This aims at elevating this space into a model of sustainable urban living and ecotourism.<\/p>\n

A tranquil bamboo path at Nyandungu Ecopark.<\/p>\n

According to REMA\u2019s Single Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) Coordinator, Alex Mugabo, the new phase, officially titled the Nyandungu Ecopark Enhancing Project, will build on the success of the first phase, which restored more than 120 hectares of degraded wetland and forest land.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe first phase was a major milestone that laid the foundation for sustainable urban wetland management,\u201d Mugabo told Members of Parliament on October 21. Unlike the initial phase, which was largely financed by partners, he said, the government will now fully fund the second phase.<\/p>\n

A visitor enjoys the calm beauty of Nyandungu Wetland, part of Rwanda\u2019s green vision.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the next phase, the government has decided to directly invest to enhance the park\u2019s facilities, biodiversity, and visitor experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mugabo said the project will expand the park\u2019s footprint and improve its capacity as a natural buffer against urban flooding, while continuing to create green jobs and attract visitors.<\/p>\n

Nyandungu Ecopark is a great place to ride your wheels and enjoy nature.<\/p>\n

\u201cDuring the first phase, the project generated over 200 jobs, including 60 permanent ones, and contributed to flood control and pollution reduction within the Nyandungu catchment,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

The Nyandungu Urban Wetland Ecotourism Project began in 2016 to tackle the environmental pressures of rapid urbanization in Kigali.<\/p>\n

Funded with Rwf4.5 billion through the Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA), and supported by the UK Government, the Italian Ministry for Ecological Transition, and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the first phase restored the wetland into a thriving ecosystem.<\/p>\n

Native fig forests, reed-beds that naturally purify water, and rehabilitated streams now help reduce flooding risks in surrounding areas.<\/p>\n

Nyandungu Eco-Park received a Full Star Award from Wetland Link International, ranking it among the world\u2019s leading wetland education centers.<\/p>\n

In January this year, the government signed a ten-year management agreement with QA Venue Solutions, the company that also manages BK Arena and Zaria Courts.<\/p>\n

The firm\u2019s regional experience in hospitality and venue management is expected to transform Nyandungu into one of Africa\u2019s top urban ecotourism destinations.<\/p>\n

Officially opened in 2022, Nyandungu became the country\u2019s first fully developed urban wetland ecopark.<\/p>\n

The park currently features ten kilometres of walking and cycling paths, birdwatching decks, and a medicinal garden showcasing over 70 indigenous plant species used in traditional healing.<\/p>\n

According to the park\u2019s management, the second phase will introduce longer walking and cycling trails, expanding the total distance from 10 to 15 kilometers, with new boardwalks and adventure trails.<\/p>\n

Plans also include more bikes, scooters, and buggies to enhance mobility, alongside new activities designed for children, families, and nature enthusiasts.<\/p>\n

The park will expand by 43 hectares, bringing its total area to over 164 hectares. A feasibility study will determine which animal species can be introduced to further enrich biodiversity.<\/p>\n

The second phase will not only improve infrastructure but also diversify the park\u2019s social and health value.<\/p>\n

Plans include introducing yoga sessions, wellness services, and eco-friendly camping facilities, with opportunities for private investors to develop glamping and educational spaces.<\/p>\n

With hundreds of bird species, nearly 200 of which returned after restoration, Nyandungu is proving that urban wetlands can thrive when conservation meets careful planning.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe new phase will elevate Nyandungu into a model of green urban transformation and sustainable tourism for Africa,\u201d Mugabo said.<\/p>\n

Under the Kigali City Master Plan and Vision 2050, Rwanda aims to dedicate at least 25 percent of Kigali\u2019s surface area to green space, positioning parks like Nyandungu as pillars of urban health and climate resilience.<\/p>\n

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