Who We Are?
Background
Association Rwandaise des Ecologistes / Rwandan Association of Ecologists “ARECO” is an environmental and development organization founded in 1991 by people concerned with environment degradation in Rwanda characterized mainly by soil erosion and land degradation, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, climate change, water and air pollution, etc. The term “RWANDA NZIZA” was added to “ARECO” to express that the founders were committed to contribute to make Rwanda “more beautiful”, the literal translation of “NZIZA” in native language Kinyarwanda.
ARECO – RWANDA NZIZA was granted legal entity by the Ministerial decree n° 119/05 on the 5th of April, 1992 which was revised by the Ministerial decree n° 180/11 on the 11th of December, 2008. ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA is currently registered as National Non-Governmental Organization(NGO) with the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB)
Our Vision
To create a healthy environment and viable ecosystems providing ecological, economic and social benefits to people and nations through enabling policies and participatory management of natural resources taking into account gender and inclusion of social groups.
Our Mission
To promote sustainable development through environment protection, biodiversity conservation and natural resource management for resilience of ecosystems and communities.
Structure of ARECO and Organs
1. The Generally Assembly is the supreme organ of the organization. It is composed of all members;
2. The Board of Directors is the implementing organ composed of elected members including the Chairperson/Legal Representative; the Vice Chairperson/Deputy Legal Representative; the Secretary, and the Treasurer;
3. The Auditors are two elected members to control the management of finances and other properties;
4. The College of Mediators are 3 elected members to handle any disputes within the organization.
5. The National Coordination (Executive Secretariat) is composed of recruited staff to implement daily activities under supervision of the Board of Directors. The National Coordination team is composed of: National Coordinator who directly supervises the following departments: Programs, Planning and Research, Finance and Administration and Monitoring &Evaluation.
Our Core Values
• Environment Awareness
• Sustainability of the Environment
• Collaboration with the Community
• Team Work
• Accountability and Transparence
Our Objectives
Main objectives of ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA are:
1. Promoting environment protection and climate resilience
2. Enhancing natural resource management and biodiversity conservation
3. Promoting community based eco-tourism
4. Raising awareness and advocacy;
Approach
ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA use a participatory approach in order to involve other stakeholders in all the processes of its interventions especially projects implemented on the ground.
Main Coverage
ARECO extends its activities all over the country, with a special emphasis on zones with high risk of degradation (mountains, natural forests, lakes,
Currently, ARECO activities are located in Musanze, Burera, Nyabihu, Rubavu, Rutsiro, Ngororero, Nyaruguru and Rusizi Districts. Specifically, activities curried out are related to the conservation of the Volcanoes, Nyungwe and Gishwati-Mukura National Parks
Our Team
NSABIMANA Aloys
Chairman & Legal Representative
TWAGILIMANA Balthazar
Deputy Chairman
INGABIRE Aline
Treasurer
Johnathan Doe
Marketing Director
MUKAKAMARI Dancilla
National Coordinator
KAREMERA Vincent
Program Manager
NTIRENGANYA Elie
Planning & Research Head
MUKESHIMANA Claudine
Administration & Finance
Johnathan Doe
Additional Director