Young Students shine in inter-school competition on Forest Landscape Restoration

Secondary school students from Nyagatare and Kirehe Districts participated in debate competitions focusing on the role of youth in Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR). The events were held on October 28–29, bringing together students from more than ten schools.

Organized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) through the Alliance for Restoration of Forest Ecosystems in Africa (AREECA) project, the competitions aimed to assess students’ understanding of environmental conservation and to encourage their active involvement in FLR initiatives.

Students from GS Nyabitare in Nyarubuye Sector, Kirehe District, and GS Rwimiyaga in Nyagatare District emerged as the top winners. They received prizes including school materials.

Dr. Lamek Nahayo, AREECA Project Country Manager, noted that the competition demonstrated how deeply students understand environmental protection while emphasizing that once the project concludes, there will be a new generation ready to carry forward its message.

“Recognizing these students is a way to show that landscape restoration brings many benefits like clean air, clean water, and nutritious fruits from agroforestry” said Dr. Nahayo. “We hope to have instilled a lasting message in these young people, who will grow up and pass it on to others.”

Mr. Emmanuel Nsengimana, Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources for Kirehe District, highlighted the broader impact of the event: “This inter-school debate is more than a competition, it is a platform for young people to exchange ideas, learn, and inspire one another on the importance of restoring our landscapes. By engaging students early, we are nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards who will sustain Rwanda’s restoration gains.”

 “Youth bring energy, creativity, and innovation to forest landscape restoration. Their active participation ensures that restoration efforts are not only sustained but also adapted to the realities of today and the challenges of tomorrow. Investing in youth is investing in the future of our environment”, he emphasized.

One of the top performers, Alice Munyana from GS Nyabitare in Nyarubuye Sector, reflected on the lessons learned: “This debate helped us understand that restoration is not only about planting trees, but about taking responsibility for our environment and our future. We learned that every small action we take as students can make a big difference for our communities”.

Her teammate, Mupenzi Niyomugabo, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the determination of young people to lead change: “Forest landscape restoration starts with us, in our schools, families, and neighborhoods. We are ready to be the generation that restores and protects Rwanda’s natural heritage.”

AREECA project started in 2021 and is about to be concluded. It is funded by the International Climate Initiative of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety and implemented in partnership with Rwanda Forestry Authority, IUCN, RWARRI, districts and local communities through community-based participatory approach.

So far, the project has restored 5,114 hectares of land, including 2,119 ha under agroforestry, 339 ha of pasture and rangeland, 1,064 ha of forest rehabilitation, and 1,534 ha of government-led afforestation, among other achievements.