TREPA intends to restore 60,000 ha of drought-degraded landscapes into climate resilient ecosystems through reforestation, agroforestry, restoration of pasturelands and soil erosion control measures in all the seven districts of the eastern province. The project also intends to increase the resilience of 75,000 small holder farmers.

The TREPA technical launch brought together key actors in the sector of environment from the Ministry of Environment, Eastern Province, Gatsibo, Nyagatare, Bugesera, Ngoma, Kirehe, Kayonza, and Rwamagana districts. Key among attendees are district officers in charge of forests and natural resources, Vice mayors, Executive Secretary of districts, Executive Secretary of the Eastern Province, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment among others. All implementing partners such as IUCN, Enabel, Rwanda Forestry Authority, Cordaid, ICRAF and World Vision were also well represented by both senior management and project staff.

During her opening remarks, the IUCN Rwanda Country Representative, Kaori Yasuda, appreciated the financial support from GCF and recognized contributions from different partners. Kaori called on all partners to join efforts in transforming the eastern province through the use of a community-based approach.

Photo: Kaori Yasuda, IUCN Rwanda Country Representative, appreciating the financial support from GCF and recognizing contributions from different partners

The Executive Secretary of the eastern province, Jeanne Nyirabihamana cherished the IUCN and all partners for the joint efforts in transforming the eastern province. Mrs Jeanne reaffirmed the full support of Eastern Province in making TREPA a successful project and a lesson learnt model for other upcoming projects given that TREPA came as a long-awaited answer to build a climate resilient and minimizing of challenges related to climate changes.

Photo: The Executive Secretary of the Eastern Province, Mrs Jeanne Nyirahabimana, appreciating the relevance and timeliness of TREPA Project

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Patrick Karera called on leaders to understand the TREPA project and its expected results, and highlighted the need for community mobilization and close collaboration with stakeholders to ensure its smooth implementation.

During the workshop, the project team from World Vision, ICRAF, Enabel, IUCN and Cordaid and district officials discussed the use of community approach in TREPA project implementation, like a good way of involving the community in the project planning, implementation and sustainability.

Photo: Seven Executive Secretary of Districts participated in TREPA kick off meeting

Mr HABIMANA Olivier, the Chief of Party of TREPA project commended the implementing partners and district officials for endorsing community approach to be used in TREPA Project as it will ensure increased ownership of the project and economic transformation of the local communities.

All district officials kicked off the project and appointed their Directors of Agriculture and Natural Resources to serve as key focal contacts to TREPA to ensure seamless coordination and effective delivery.

The technical launch was concluded by agreeing on top priorities for 2023 and the role of different partners including district authorities and senior staff.

TREPA Technical Kick Off convened on 02, December 2022 at NTENDE Hotel in Gatsibo District, Eastern Province of Rwanda.

Photo: Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Patrick Karera while addressing the audience

Photo: Cake cutting ceremony led by the Executive Secretary of Eastern Province and the IUCN Country Representative to officiate the technical launch of TREPA