Gicumbi August 1, 2012- Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) has handed over new 8 watchtowers known as MIRADOR worth 58 millions Rwf to Rwanda Development Board (RDB) aiming to promote ecotourism, specifically birding in Rugezi wetland, Gicumbi district. The watchtowers built under the support of World Bank came after the effort in protecting and restoring Rugezi wetland which was formerly degraded by human activities namely illegal mining as well as agricultural activities despite its trans-boundary importance. While inaugurating and handing over the watchtowers, Dr. Rose Mukankomeje, the Director General of REMA mentioned that Rwanda’s effort in protecting wetlands, especially those with international importance, was recognized worldwide. The DG of REMA further hailed the contribution of Miyove sector residents in protecting the wetland by stopping illegal mining and other harmful activities.

The wetland protection and restoration activities later resulted into the increase of water and the region was provided with electricity. Moreover, following the effort of protecting Rugezi wetland, the place counts 100 bird species which are expected to boost birding in Rwanda.

After officially receiving the watchtowers, Mrs RICA RWIGAMBA the Head of Tourism and Conservation in RDB pledged improved infrastructure in the area to facilitate birding. The participation of local residents in promoting this new tourism in the area will also be fostered and trainings are provided for this purpose according to Mrs Rwigamba.

The Minister of Natural Resources, Ambassador Stanislas Kamanzi who presided over the handover ceremony, asked the residents to continue showing their contribution in protecting the wetland specifically by fighting illegal mining and create cooperatives to better comply with mining laws where the activity can be conducted. The Minister pointed out that local residents will obviously benefit from the soon coming birding in the area given much foreign currencies that will be received from tourists.

According to the minister, Rwanda recently embarked on birding as an added value to the tourism in Rwanda, which is also another way to make earnings from the country’s natural resources.

Rwanda's fully protected and restored wetlands for their trans-boundary and international importance include Rugezi, RWERU and Bugesera wetland place and Kamiranzovu