Communities living near Rugezi Wetland in Burera District are calling for greater access to clean energy solutions, hoping to reduce heavy reliance on firewood and protect the marshland’s fragile ecosystem.
The wetland, which spans 6,736 hectares across six sectors—Kivuye, Gatebe, Ruhunde, Butaro, Rwerere, and Rusarabuye—is Rwanda’s only Ramsar site, internationally recognized for its ecological importance. It is home to the endangered grey-crowned crane, whose population has risen in recent years thanks to conservation efforts.
Despite these gains, firewood use remains alarmingly high. According to Burera District authorities, 93 percent of households still rely on it for cooking. “We have about 8,106 households using clean energy across the district, with just over 1,000 near Rugezi Wetland,” said Jean Baptiste Nshimiyimana, the district’s Economic Development officer. “We are working with partners to promote improved stoves, LPG, and biogas, but adoption remains slow.”
Residents say cost is a major barrier. “Most families around Rugezi cannot afford alternatives like cooking gas, which has become more expensive,” said Agnes Icyimanimpaye, a 42-year-old farmer in Butaro Sector. Her neighbor, Yanick Mugabo, added, “Clean energy is not just convenient—it’s a way to protect our wetland and secure resources for our children.”
The wetland also faces ongoing threats from soil erosion and limited terracing. In 2024, the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA) distributed 280 improved stoves to families in Rwerere Sector, but firewood demand remains high. About 16,000 households live in direct proximity to the wetland, making sustainable energy adoption crucial.
Efforts to protect Rugezi are showing results. The grey-crowned crane population around the wetland increased from 80 to 273 in 2023, according to district authorities. Nationally, there are now an estimated 1,216 cranes. Olivier Nsengimana, Executive Director of RWCA, attributed the growth to government initiatives, community awareness, and anti-poaching measures.
Residents also see Rugezi as a tourism asset. “This wetland is unique for our district and can attract tourists for bird watching,” said Anne Marie Uwizeye, a local resident. Mayor Soline Mukamana highlighted that limited infrastructure and investment have hindered tourism development but said the district is working to market Burera’s attractions and improve investment opportunities.
Rugezi Wetland feeds the Burera and Ruhondo twin lakes and supports hydroelectric power generation downstream. It hosts endangered species such as Grauer’s swamp warbler and grey-crowned cranes, as well as threatened birds like the papyrus yellow warbler. Restoration efforts, including controlled agriculture, tree planting, and community education, have earned international recognition, including a Green Globe Award in 2010.
“Protecting Rugezi is not just about conserving wildlife,” said RWCA Deputy Director Deo Ruhagazi. “It’s about ensuring water, energy, and livelihoods for the people who depend on it.”
The call from local communities is clear: affordable and accessible clean energy solutions could ease pressure on the wetland, safeguard biodiversity, and support both livelihoods and the local economy for generations to come.
