October 2, 2024 – RWB has successfully trained community facilitators who will play a crucial role in developing Village Land Use Action Plans (VLUAPs) for 30 priority villages in Musanze, Nyabihu, and Rubavu districts, as part of the Volcanoes Community Resilience Project (VCRP).

The VLUAPs are designed to support catchment restoration activities through erosion control structures, soil conservation techniques, and agroforestry models.

They will also help identify suitable locations for interventions such as water harvesting facilities, conservation agriculture practices, and grass/tree planting.

Namenye Sanyu Isabelle, an agronomist from Nyakiriba Sector in Rubavu District, commended the training for fostering collaboration among stakeholders, including local leaders. “This training prepared us for VLUAP activities by ensuring that all sectors planned inclusively. Our goal is to connect community members to collaboratively develop the project plan, leaving no one behind,” she stated.

Jean Baptiste Ndikumana, an agronomist from Mukamira Sector in Nyabihu District, highlighted the training's importance in understanding the project’s objectives and addressing critical issues such as soil erosion and flooding. “This training has united us as leaders. We will move forward as one voice, sharing knowledge to tackle our community’s challenges,” he explained.

A key resolution from the workshop emphasized inclusiveness in VLUAPs, particularly in involving women and people with disabilities in landscape restoration activities. Participants will engage in tasks such as data entry and tree/grass planting, reinforcing the principle of inclusion throughout the restoration process.

Initiated by the Government of Rwanda with financial support from the World Bank, VCRP aims to enhance climate resilience, reduce flood risks, and improve the management of natural resources and tourism assets in the Volcanoes and Vunga Corridor Region.