Our Programmes
The work of ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA encompasses a range of initiatives aimed at conserving biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and ensuring a healthier nature. This is achieved through three key programmes focused on responsible environmental stewardship.
1. Biodiversity Conservation and Natural Resources Management
We are dedicated to preserving Rwanda’s rich biodiversity and support the sustainable management of natural resources, including nature-based solutions. Our efforts in this area include:
- Biodiversity Conservation. Protecting endangered species and their habitats to maintain the delicate balance of ecosystems.
- Ecosystem Restoration. Rehabilitating degraded ecosystems (natural forests, wetlands, lakes, etc.) and restoring natural processes to improve ecosystem health and resilience.
- Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. Promoting the use of sustainable energy sources and implementing energy-saving practices to reduce deforestation.
- Water Management. Promoting the sustainable use of water resources and enhancing water quality to support both human needs and ecological balance.
- Community-based tourism. Promoting the creation of jobs that protect biodiversity and simultaneously provide significant social and economic opportunities to local communities that are centered around their environment, culture and traditions.
2. Climate Smart Agriculture and Agro-Ecology Promotion
We are committed to advancing agricultural practices that are both environmentally friendly and economically viable. Our initiatives include:
- Climate Smart Agriculture. Implementing farming techniques that increase productivity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change.
- Conservation Agriculture. Promoting soil health and biodiversity through minimal disturbance and sustainable land management practices.
- Promotion of Agroforestry. Integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes to enhance biodiversity, improve soil fertility, and increase resilience to climate change.
3. Human and Environmental Health
Addressing chemical pollution and safeguarding environmental health is crucial to our mission. Our focus areas include tackling the challenges posed by hazardous chemicals, including POPs, PCBS, heavy metals like lead, and pesticides that pose risks to both human and environmental health. We also promote sustainable use of chemicals including green and organic chemicals
Through these diverse yet interconnected efforts, ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA promotes a sustainable future where people and nature thrive together. Major cross-cutting of our time, addressing climate change, building awareness, empowering women, and fostering research are integral to our mission of advancing environmental sustainability.
KEY CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES
- Climate change adaptation and resilience are crucial as we face increasing climate variability and extreme weather events. Our initiatives focus on enhancing community resilience through adaptive strategies and sustainable practices. By developing climate-resilient infrastructure and promoting eco-friendly methods, we help communities prepare for and recover from climate impacts.
- Awareness and capacity building are fundamental in equipping individuals and organizations to address environmental challenges effectively. We conduct educational programs, workshops, and outreach activities to spread knowledge about climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable practices. These efforts are designed to build skills, foster informed decision-making, and encourage proactive environmental stewardship.
- Gender and social (groups) inclusivity are central to our approach, recognizing that inclusivity is essential for effective environmental management and sustainability. As women have been traditionally held back, we support women through training, leadership opportunities, and advocacy for inclusive policies. By empowering women, girls, boys, those living with disabilities, and other historically held back social groups, we enhance their roles in environmental conservation and community development, leading to more equitable and sustainable outcomes.
- Gender and social inclusivity are central to our approach, recognizing that inclusivity is essential for effective environmental management and sustainability. Given the historical barriers faced by women, we are dedicated to supporting them through training, leadership opportunities, and advocacy for inclusive policies. By empowering women, girls, boys, individuals with disabilities, and other historically marginalized groups, we strengthen their contributions to environmental conservation and community development, fostering more equitable and sustainable outcomes
- Research and advocacy form the foundation of our policy dialogue efforts within our various strategic alliances. We conduct research to produce data-driven insights that guide our advocacy initiatives. By engaging policymakers and stakeholders, we work to influence policies that promote environmental sustainability and tackle climate change. Our goal is to drive systemic change and cultivate a supportive policy environment for sustainable development.
These cross-cutting areas together strengthen our commitment to a resilient, informed, and equitable approach to environmental challenges.
Partners and affiliations
ARECO works with various partners in environment protection, conservation and development including government institutions, development partners, research institutions, civil society organizations, private sector and community based organizations.