IUCN scales up the Community Environmental Conservation Scheme (CECS) in Eastern Rwanda

Represented by Ms Kaori Yasuda, IUCN Rwanda Country Representative and Mayor of Kirehe District, Mr Rangira Bruno, the agreement builds on the proven Community Environmental Conservation Fund (CECF) model from the Sebeya Project, bringing sustainable conservation and development to new communities.

This expansion is supported by the AREECA Project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) through the International Climate Initiative (IKI). 

Since 2021, AREECA has restored degraded landscapes, promoted agroforestry, planted trees, and distributed improved cooking stoves, all while empowering communities to lead conservation initiatives. These efforts have strengthened biodiversity, improved climate resilience, and created livelihood opportunities for local families.

Under the new agreement, a revolving fund of 25,020,000 RWF will support eleven farmer groups in Kirehe and Nyagatare districts that previously collaborated with the AREECA project. Managed through the local Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs), the fund will continue circulating to reach more groups, broadening the impact of conservation-linked livelihoods across the eastern province of Rwanda.

By linking environmental restoration with economic opportunity, CECS ensures that conservation is sustainable, community-driven, and scalable. This agreement marks an important step in Rwanda’s journey toward climate-smart land management, biodiversity protection, and resilient rural communities, providing a model that could inspire similar initiatives across the country and beyond.

Kirehe District remains one of IUCN’s operational areas, where several initiatives are being implemented

For media inquiries, please contact:

Habimana Jean Claude

Communications and Membership Officer – IUCN Rwanda

[email protected]