Biodiversity Beers and Bags of Crisps (5Bs) Project
Funded by Rwanda’s National Council for Science and Technology, this project valorizes native biodiversity through the production of commercially competitive food and beverages using indigenous plant species. Expected outcomes include:
1) Integration of biodiversity into Rwanda’s food and beverage industry,
2) Development of new products,
3) Job creation across the supply chain,
4) Protection of plant diversity and traditional knowledge.
Partners: Kweza Craft Brewery, Rwanda Forensic Laboratory, NIRDA.
Community Based Biodiversity Conservation Project (COMBIO)
Funded by the Swedish Government, COMBIO reduces vulnerability to climate change through community-based biodiversity conservation. Activities include forest restoration, biodiversity sanctuaries, nature-based enterprises, and payment for ecosystem services to farmers.
Partners: RFA, IUCN, ARCOS, CoEB, Ministry of Environment.
Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture
Funded by AfDB through ACCF, this project builds resilience among smallholder farmers in Eastern Rwanda (Kirehe, Kayonza, Gatsibo, Nyagatare). Activities include distribution of smartphones, agroforestry planting on 2000 ha, solar irrigation, drought-tolerant crops, fruit markets, cold rooms, grants, and farmer training.
Partners: CoEB, ICRAF, RAB.
Legacy Tree Project
Implemented with RFA, this project identifies, maps, and conserves legacy trees across Rwanda. It engages communities, documents cultural histories, and promotes eco-tourism through the Legacy Tree Tour. Legacy trees are defined as those outside protected areas with at least 50 cm DBH.
Aims: safeguard native trees, preserve culture, and promote livelihoods.
Diversity of Pollinating Diptera
This research project studies the biodiversity of true flies (Diptera) in Afrotropical biodiversity hotspots. It aims to improve taxonomy and identification, provide distribution data, and inform Red List assessments. The project contributes to enhanced conservation strategies for pollinators in the region.