Rwanda launched its 2025–2026 tree-planting season on Saturday during the monthly nationwide Umuganda community service, mobilizing residents to plant millions of trees aimed at restoring ecosystems and building climate resilience.
The campaign began with high-profile participation across provinces, including in Gasabo District and Akagera National Park.
Kigali Mayor Samuel Dusengiyumva, Minister Jeannette Kagame, and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn joined citizens in planting efforts.
Minister of Environment Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye officially launched the season, emphasizing the critical role trees play in restoring ecosystems, cleaning the air we breathe, providing fruits, and preventing soil erosion.
She also celebrated Rwanda’s achievement of 30% forest cover and urged citizens to nurture newly planted trees.
The initiative builds on years of reforestation efforts that have raised Rwanda’s forest cover from 10% in 2013 to nearly 30% today.
More than 800 million trees have been planted nationwide to enhance biodiversity, fight soil degradation, and support environmental sustainability.
The tree-planting season, which will continue through 2026, involves schools, civil society, and local governments. It forms part of Rwanda’s broader climate action strategy and green growth agenda.
Umuganda, held on the last Saturday of each month, is a national community service day that fosters unity and civic responsibility through collective public works, including environmental conservation.
