Nyungwe rain forest in the south western region of Rwanda is progressively disappearing according to findings from the National University of Rwanda. However, The Government has decided to declare it a national reserve for tourists to support its conservation and research efforts. According to findings made by the Xinhua in Kigali, the main threat to the forest is the large quantity of a specifically harmful plant known as serochochys scadens.
This plant was eaten by elephants and buffaloes, however, today only 5 elephants are believed to remain in the Kamiranzovu swamp, while the buffaloes have accurately disappeared. Like that is not enough, another menace to the Nyungwe rain forest is the lack of abundant rainfall compounded by violation on the forest by the population.
If no immediate measures are taken the same fate as Gishwati forest in northwest region is bound to befall Nyungwe rain forest that took place after the genocide against Tutsis in 1994. This left the forest treeless due to the return of the locals from exile in sure for land to settle and grow crops for a living.
In July 2011, the government of Rwanda had fully entrusted the management of the Nyungwe natural reserve to a British forestry company, New Forests Company (NFC). As a way to save Nyungwe forest from extinction, the government has decided to declare it a national reserve where tourism would be directed to supporting conservation efforts and research.
Compiled by Jackie
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