In June 2025, the Association Rwandaise des Ecologistes (ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA) participated in two important district-level Open Day events—one in Nyabihu District and the other in Musanze District. These gatherings, organized under the framework of the Joint Action Development Forums (JADF), are platforms that bring together local authorities, development partners, cooperatives, and the public to celebrate achievements, showcase ongoing work, and promote collaboration toward sustainable development. For ARECO, these events were valuable opportunities to reinforce its ongoing commitment to environmental conservation, community empowerment, and sustainable development around Rwanda’s National Volcanoes Park.
Nyabihu Open Day: Collaboration for Local Progress
Held from the 18th to the 19th of June 2025 at Mukamira Bus Station, the Nyabihu Open Day brought together development actors from across the district to exhibit their contributions and engage directly with the local population. The event was attended by high-level district authorities, including Mr. Protais Habanabakize, President of the District Council, and Ms. Antoinette Mukandayisenga, Mayor of Nyabihu District. In her address, the Mayor called upon partners to deepen their collaboration for the continued development of the district.
ARECO was represented by Ms. Dancilla Mukakamari, who engaged with both partners and visitors throughout the event. For decades, ARECO has worked hand-in-hand with Nyabihu’s communities to protect the natural ecosystems surrounding the Volcanoes National Park. The organization’s presence at the Open Day focused particularly on its current initiative—the AFeHo Project, financed by the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). This project supports greenhouse horticulture in the Mukamira area, promoting climate-resilient agriculture while enhancing local livelihoods and environmental sustainability. The event allowed ARECO to demonstrate the tangible results of its long-standing presence in the district and to reaffirm its support for local development through sustainable and inclusive practices.
Musanze Open Day: Showcasing Inclusion and Environmental Innovation
Just as in Nyabihu, Musanze District hosted its own JADF/Imbarutso Open Day from the 18th to the 20th of June 2025 at Ubworoherane Stadium. Organized under the theme “Inclusive Governance and Transparency,” the event brought together key stakeholders working toward the realization of Rwanda’s Vision 2050. Among the district leaders present were Mr. Michel Ndayambaje, President of the District Council, and Mayor Claudine Nsengimana, who emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in driving local development.
ARECO was represented by Ms. Dancilla Mukakamari and Mr. Antoine Ngaboyisonga. The organization’s exhibition at the event focused on its conservation work in and around the Volcanoes National Park, particularly through initiatives that empower women and promote green livelihoods. One of the highlights was a display of handcraft items made from bamboo, produced by local women’s cooperatives that have been supported by ARECO and its partners. These products reflect ARECO’s approach of integrating environmental protection with income-generating activities, providing practical examples of how sustainable practices can uplift communities while preserving biodiversity.
A Shared Commitment to Sustainable Development
District Open Days across Rwanda continue to serve as meaningful platforms for organizations like ARECO to share their work, learn from others, and strengthen partnerships with both local authorities and community members. The events in Nyabihu and Musanze offered ARECO a unique opportunity to showcase the impact of its ongoing projects, receive feedback from beneficiaries, and connect with other actors committed to building a more sustainable future.
As the country advances toward its ambitious development goals, ARECO remains dedicated to its mission of promoting ecological preservation hand-in-hand with community development. The organization will continue to use such platforms to advocate for inclusive and environmentally responsible solutions and to build bridges between conservation and prosperity for Rwandan communities.
