SUPPORTING REFORESTATION AND LANDSCAPE RESTORATION IN RWANDA
Since 2017, the Rwanda Project – Volcanoes National Park has collaborated with neighboring communities to restore the former pasture around Volcanoes National Park to create a critical buffer zone between agricultural lands and the Park. The pastures were cleared of invasive alien species and replanted with indigenous trees and shrubs that are native to the Virunga Massive or Albertine Rift region.
Within a year of the opening of the lodge, 250,000 seedlings/wildlings – sourced from local community nurseries – were replanted across the property. Some 60,000 saplings were propagated and grown at the on-site Akarabo Nursery. Our conservation team regularly monitors the growth of the plants and replace those that die off. Guests are encouraged to visit the nursery and plant trees to participate in the lasting legacy of the reforestation program.
A large-scale orchid project was also established to create a safe and secure home for many endemic and indigenous orchids – both in the surrounding landscape and in a nursery, where guests can marvel at their rare beauty up close. This well-documented and beautifully curated initiative aims to offer one of the most comprehensive collections of Ansellia Africana (the Leopard Orchid) in the world.
